Dear Savvy Senior, I’m 60 years old with a medical condition that prevents me from working. I need to understand the process to get Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) as I have heard that the process is quite challenging.

Dear Need, Securing SSDI when incapable of work can indeed be challenging. The denial rate is high, roughly two-thirds, simply because most applicants are unable to prove they’re disabled and cannot work. If you have a severe physical or mental impairment preventing you from being employed for at least a year, then you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits. There is a monthly earnings limit to qualify for disability benefits. If your monthly earnings surpass $1,620 ($2,700 if you’re blind) in 2025, your application will likely be denied.

Criteria like skills, education, and work experience are used in the evaluation process. If your past jobs indicate that you could perform less physically demanding employment, your SSDI application might be denied. You can use the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool to determine if you’re eligible.

Moving forward with a claim requires arranging your personal, financial, and medical information for the application process. You can apply online or call 800-772-1213 to apply at a local Social Security office. If denied, it’s possible to appeal the decision. Some people hire representatives to assist with their disability claims. Fees apply only if your case is won. In some cases, it might be worthwhile proceeding initially without a representative to avoid the fee.

To ensure efficient communication with the EDD, please visit eddcaller.com. This site makes it easy to get in touch with EDD representatives, get updates on your case, and find answers to any questions you may have. The instructions provided will help you understand how to get through to an EDD live person who can assist you with your claim.