Before 1996, if you had an addiction, you could qualify for Social Security Disability benefits because of that addiction alone. Addiction was seen as a disability in itself. Today, however, the rules have changed, and this is unlikely to have a significant impact on your case.

Applying for disability benefits can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while blindfolded, especially when you’re doing it all alone. But don’t worry. If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a sea of paperwork and regulations, you’re in good company.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability in precise terms. For SSA purposes, a disability is an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a severe physical or mental impairment. Notably, this impairment must be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or result in death. Moreover, for individuals aged 55 and older who are blind, the SSA assesses whether they are unable to perform work that is comparable to their previous employment, considering their blindness.

Getting disability benefits generally comes down to one thing: your medical records. They’re the guts of your claim, the proof you need. Without solid, complete documentation, your shot at benefits drops fast.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) might seem straightforward at first—just fill out some forms, right? Don’t be fooled. For starters, you’ll need to detail your medical condition and work background by completing both the Adult Disability Report and the Work History Report. What’s more, these forms require meticulous attention to detail, as incomplete or incorrect information can lead to serious delays and even outright denials.

The disability evaluation process is a structured sequence of five critical steps, where failure at any step—except the third*—leads to a denial of benefits. The process begins with assessing if you can perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), moves through evaluating the severity of your impairment, and requires meeting specific medical criteria outlined in Listings of Impairments. It then considers your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) and past relevant work to determine if you can still perform prior job functions. Finally, if you cannot return to your past work, the process examines if you can adapt to other available jobs, factoring in age, education, and transferable skills.