Step 1: Understand SSDI Eligibility in Connecticut

Before starting your application, it’s crucial to determine if you meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) basic eligibility requirements:

• Work Credits: You must have earned enough work credits through previous employment in jobs covered by Social Security. Most people need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you became disabled.
• Medical Condition: Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Proof of Disability: Your condition must be listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, or your medical situation must be considered equally disabling.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval, but it's the first step toward building a strong case.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

The SSA requires extensive documentation to support your claim. Be sure to gather the following before applying:

• Medical Records: Hospital visits, treatment plans, test results, and physician notes that detail your diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis.
• Work History: A detailed list of past employers, job titles, dates of employment, and job duties for the last 15 years.
• Daily Functioning Information: Notes on how your disability affects your day-to-day life, including mobility, cognition, and ability to perform routine tasks.
• Personal Identification: Your Social Security number, birth certificate, and if applicable, marriage and divorce records.

Having comprehensive and organized records can significantly improve your chances of success.

Step 3: Submit Your SSDI Application

There are three main ways to file for SSDI in Connecticut:

• Online: Visit the SSA’s website and complete the application at your own pace. This is often the most convenient method.
• Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone with a Social Security representative.
• In Person: Schedule an appointment and apply at your local Social Security office. This option can be beneficial if you need assistance completing your application or if you have complex circumstances.

During the application process, answer all questions thoroughly and honestly. Double-check for accuracy and consistency between your application and medical documentation.

Step 4: Application Review and Decision

Once submitted, your application is sent to Connecticut’s Disability Determination Services (DDS), which reviews your medical records and assesses your claim. They may also request that you attend a consultative exam with an independent doctor.



The average processing time can range from 3 to 6 months, though it may take longer depending on the volume of applications or complexity of your case. If your application is approved, you’ll begin receiving benefits, including potential back pay from the date of disability onset.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision through a multi-step appeals process, which includes reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and potentially federal court review.