The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict filing requirements for disability benefits whether you apply for SSDI online, by mail, by phone, or in person at a local field office in Chicago. If you do not submit the required information, or you submit your application with incorrect information, your claim for disability benefits will be delayed or denied.

Before you apply for disability benefits, you must understand the requirements. For a free consultation, call Ankin Law in Chicago today at 872-529-9377.

Are There Benefits to Applying for SSDI Online in Illinois?

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, you can apply for disability benefits in Illinois through two federal programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs are managed by the Illinois Bureau of Disability Determination Services (DDS), the state agency that reviews all applications and decides if your medical condition qualifies you for disability benefits.

In Illinois, workers who become disabled and unable to work due to injury or illness can apply for SSDI benefits. Approval for benefits is based on the worker’s credible work history, accumulated work credits through employment, and payment of Social Security taxes. If benefits are approved, they are payable to disabled or blind workers under 65 years old, the spouse or widower, the children, and adults disabled since childhood. The amount of monthly disability benefits is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. After the worker receives SSDI benefits for two years, he or she will automatically receive Medicare coverage.

The SSDI claim process can be complicated and lengthy, but the SSA makes it easy for disability applicants to file a claim for benefits online. If you apply for SSDI online, you can expedite the application process and possibly get your benefits sooner. When the SSA receives your application, they will review it to make sure you meet the basic requirements for SSDI benefits, then forward your case to the Illinois Bureau of Disability Determination Services for review. Processing time for disability applications can vary depending on the nature of the disability, medical evidence, and reviews, but filing an online application can get things started sooner than filing by mail, by phone, or in person.

Filing your SSDI application online has benefits:

  • You can start your online application without scheduling an appointment with a field representative, which may take weeks.
  • You can file your online application when it’s convenient for you from the comfort of your home or personal computer.
  • You can save your application and return later to check for errors or make changes.
  • You can research information and talk to Social Security disability lawyers who can help with questions and filing requirements.
  • You can save your application and do a final review before you submit it to the SSA.

How to Apply for SSDI Online in Illinois

If you develop a disability that prevents you from working, you should learn how to apply for SSDI online as soon as possible. Before filling out your application, be prepared to provide some required personal information about yourself, your medical condition, and your work history. You can reference the SSA Adult Disability Checklist, which will help you gather the information you need to complete your application. To apply for SSDI online, you must meet these basic requirements:

  • You must be 18 years old or older
  • You must be unable to work because of a medical condition
  • Your medical condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
  • You must not be currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record
  • You must have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days

You will be asked some questions about who is filling out the online application, then you will be prompted to sign in to your personal online My Social Security account to complete your application. After you review and submit your application, you will receive a “confirmation page” with a confirmation number, contact information, instructions on what to do next, required documents for providing evidence for SSDI, copies of your receipt and your electronically signed medical release form, and a list of useful links.

If your medical condition prevents you from working, you should know what conditions automatically qualify you for disability. According to the SSA guidelines, approval for SSDI benefits relies on 5 important factors:

1.      How long will the applicant be out of work?

The worker filing for benefits must be out of work or expected to be out of work for at least one full year (12 months).

2.      Does the applicant’s medical condition impact the ability to work?

A disability or medical condition must be severe enough to limit the applicant’s ability to do routine work activities that require standing, walking, sitting, reaching, or lifting.

3.      Can the applicant perform prior work duties?

A medical condition must prevent the worker from performing prior work duties before the disability occurred. If it does not, the applicant will not be eligible for SSDI benefits.

4.      Can the applicant perform other types of work?

The SSA will evaluate the applicant’s ability to perform other types of work based on age restrictions for applying for SSDI benefits, education, work skills, prior work experience, and medical condition.

5.      Is the medical condition listed in the SSA Blue Book?

The SSA blue book contains a “List of Impairments” detailing severe medical conditions defined as disabilities. If the applicant’s medical condition is not in the Blue Book listings, the SSA will compare the condition to similar conditions on the list.

SSDI is an insurance program that pays benefits to workers who become disabled before they reach the age to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Workers who apply for SSDI online and are approved for benefits can expect an average monthly SSDI benefit payment of $1,537 or a maximum monthly benefit payment of $3,822 in 2024. Since these benefit payments may be the sole source of income, disabled workers need to understand when their SSDI benefits begin and how long they continue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Online

According to the SSA, about 60 to 70% of SSDI applications are denied upon initial evaluation each year. Although various factors determine these percentages, there are leading causes of SSDI claim denials that can be avoided.

Errors and Missing Information

When you apply for SSDI online, the application process includes numerous papers that must be completed accurately and submitted to DDS within a certain time frame. To avoid errors and missing information, you must make sure to fill out all paperwork and provide all the supporting documentation required to establish your disability. Always provide an accurate response and never skip a question.

Lack of Adequate Medical Evidence

Providing medical evidence that supports your disability is one of the most important factors in SSDI claims. Complex medical evidence is required by Illinois Disability Determination Services (DDS) to substantiate your claim. This includes medical records and test findings from your doctor that show the severity of your condition and the limitations and restrictions you experience due to the condition. Without adequate medical evidence, the SSA will be forced to reject your claim.

Assets or Income that Exceed the Allowance

To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must be unable to work at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level and your condition must be expected to last for at least 1 full year or result in death. While filing for and receiving SSDI benefits, you can do a limited amount of work as long as you don’t exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold. In 2024, the SGA is $1,550 per month or $2,590 per month if you are blind.

Not Adhering to Your Treatment Plan

To be eligible for disability benefits, you must take part in the treatment plan that your doctor has prescribed for you. The Social Security Administration and DDS consider disobeying your doctor’s orders as a major red flag. Medical justifications include uncontrollable factors like anxiety about surgery, a reaction to certain medications, a severe mental condition that compromises your judgment, or physical restrictions that prevent you from participating in therapy alone.

Not Following Through With a Consultative Exam

When you apply for SSDI online, you may be asked to take a consultation examination conducted by a private medical professional who is employed by the SSA. The exam date, time, and place will be scheduled for you and details will be included in the communication they send you about the appointment. If you fail to keep your appointment or take the exam, your claim for SSDI benefits will likely be denied.

For help with SSDI benefits in Illinois, contact us for a free case review. Our Chicago Social Security disability lawyers can provide legal advice and guide you through the entire SSDI claim process.