Step 1: Confirm You Qualify for SSDI

Before applying, make sure you meet the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s criteria:

• Work history: You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify.
• Medical condition: You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
• Your condition must be listed (or equivalent to one listed) in the SSA’s Blue Book of Impairments.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

Having the right information ready will help streamline the application.

• Medical records from doctors, clinics, hospitals, and specialists
• A detailed work history for the past 15 years
• Contact info for all healthcare providers
• Any recent test results or imaging scans
• List of medications and prescribed treatments
• Personal information, including Social Security number, dates of prior marriages (if applicable), and names of minor children

Step 3: Complete the Application

You have three ways to apply for SSDI in Nebraska:

• Online at SSA.gov
• By phone at 1-800-772-1213
• In person at a local Nebraska Social Security office

Tip: The online application is typically the fastest and most convenient. Be honest and detailed, especially when describing how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Evidence

The SSA will request your medical records, but it helps to submit your own supporting documents, such as:

• Doctor’s letters explaining your limitations
• Test results or imaging scans
• Statements from former employers or family members detailing your condition's impact

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Once submitted, the SSA will review your application.

• This process can take 3 to 6 months.
• You’ll receive a decision by mail.
• If approved, you’ll begin receiving benefits after a 5-month waiting period from the date your disability began.

If denied, don’t panic—you have the right to appeal.