Here is a link to apply online:
https://www.ssa.gov/?utm_campaign=ocomm-redesign-23&utm_content=visitnow&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
I am just a layperson who has applied before. There are basically two types of disability programs you can apply for: SSDI and SSI. SSDI requires a certain amount of work history (also called “work credits”) that varies based on your age and at what age your conditions began. You can view your number of Work Credits online, on your Social Security Administration account (you’ll have to create an account). SSI does not have any requirement for work history. You may be eligible to receive both, or just one.
This is a link to the SSA Blue Book. It lists the codes for many different conditions that the government specifically looks for when processing applications. You don’t need to know the codes or anything, and you don’t have to have a condition in the Blue Book to apply, but it helps a lot if they are!
If I remember correctly, all of the conditions you listed in the tags on this post are in the Blue Book:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
You can fill out the application alone or with help from someone. During the application, you will be asked to list the names & offices of any doctors, therapists, etc., who have treated you for a condition that you have listed on your application. You will be given space to type any notes you have about treatments that doctor has administered to you, or anything important the doctor has said. You can list up to 10 conditions (physical, mental illnesses, etc.) that negatively affect your ability to work. There is a box to check if there are over 10.
During the application process, there are questions like: “Can you work?” The word “work” on this application is often being used as a stand-in for the government term Substantial Gainful Activity. Substantial Gainful Activity means that you make at least $1,470 per month. There are different income requirements if you are legally blind. If you make less than $1,470 you need to answer “No”.
“Does your condition(s) prevent you from making at least $1,470 per month?” Is what they are trying to ask.
Your conditions may limit the amount of hours you are able to work, or they might limit the types of jobs you can do. You may experience challenges or difficulties at work that are related to your conditions. It helps to explain somewhere (or in multiple places) on the application specific examples of ways that your conditions interfere with your ability to work.
It helps if you can access your medical records, for example if your healthcare provider(s) have an online patient portal that displays your records for you. This way, you can provide very precise information about your conditions on the application. However, this is not a requirement. You don’t need to have access to your medical records to apply, it just helps.
There are resources online that you can Google if you don’t understand a question or the way they phrased something on the application.
In my experience, after submitting my application online, I received some letters in the mail and had 2 phone interviews. At the second interview, I learned that I had too many assets at that time to be eligible despite my low income & serious conditions. I am in the process of reapplying.
I have heard about them doing in-person interviews or having a doctor evaluate you, but I believe this is only done if your conditions have never been treated before, or if you are appealing a rejected application.
If your application is rejected (many are, it’s nothing to feel bad about) you don’t have to appeal it. You can just wait a few months to apply again.
I know this might sound overwhelming but I hope that there is useful information here! I did it by myself and it didn’t seem as complicated as I might make it sound…