1. Initial Application Submission

Your SSDI review process begins when you:

• Submit your application online at www.ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office
• Provide detailed information about your medical conditions, treatments, doctors, hospitalizations, work history, and education

Ensuring your application is complete and accurate is critical to avoid delays at this first stage.

2. Technical Eligibility Review

Before evaluating your medical condition, SSA checks technical eligibility, including:

• Whether you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits
• If you are currently working and earning above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits (in 2025, $1,550 per month or $2,590 if blind)
• Whether your application contains all required information

If you do not meet technical requirements, SSA will issue a technical denial without reviewing your medical condition.

3. Transfer to Disability Determination Services (DDS)

If you meet technical eligibility, your case is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Nebraska, where a disability examiner and medical consultant will:

• Request your medical records from the doctors, clinics, and hospitals you listed
• Review your treatment history, diagnostic tests, and doctor’s notes
• Evaluate how your condition limits your ability to perform basic work activities

4. Consultative Examination (If Needed)

If your existing medical records are insufficient to make a decision:

• DDS may schedule a Consultative Examination (CE) with an SSA-contracted doctor
• This exam is not for treatment but to provide an updated assessment of your medical condition and functional limitations

Failing to attend a CE may result in your claim being denied for insufficient evidence.

5. The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine disability:

1. Are you working above SGA levels? If yes, you are not disabled.
2. Is your condition severe? It must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities.
3. Does your condition meet or equal a listing? If yes, you are automatically considered disabled.
4. Can you perform past relevant work? SSA evaluates whether you can still do any job you held in the last 15 years.
5. Can you perform any other work? Considering your age, education, skills, and limitations, SSA assesses whether you can adjust to other types of work available in the national economy.

You must be found disabled at Step 3, Step 4, or Step 5 to receive SSDI benefits.

6. Decision and Notification

After the review:

• DDS sends their decision back to your local SSA office
• You will receive a written notice indicating approval or denial
• If approved, you will receive information about your monthly benefit amount and when payments will start
• If denied, the notice will explain why you were denied and outline your appeal rights

7. Average Timeline for Initial Review

In Nebraska, the average processing time for an initial SSDI application decision is typically 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how quickly medical records are obtained.

8. Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR)

If approved, SSA will conduct periodic reviews of your disability status to determine if you continue to meet eligibility:

• Every 3 years for conditions expected to improve
• Every 5-7 years for conditions not expected to improve

Failing to comply with these reviews may result in your benefits being stopped.