If you have a physical disability and are planning to file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits, it is essential to understand the eligibility requirements and the application process. Bear in mind that the application process can be complex and time-consuming. Moreover, there is a drastically high rate of denial of these claims. If your claim is denied, your chances of success are significantly improved if you retain a qualified attorney for assistance in appealing your denial. 

The first step in applying for SSD benefits is assessing if you meet the necessary criteria, which are as follows:

  1. Age and Social Security status – You must be between 18 and 67 years old and not already receiving Social Security retirement benefits. Once you reach 67, your SSD benefits will automatically transition into standard Social Security retirement benefits.

  2. Employment and work history – To qualify, you must have worked full-time and contributed to Social Security payroll taxes for at least five of the last ten years before applying. If you have been unemployed for more than five years before your application, your eligibility may be affected due to a lapse in insurance coverage. However, if you’re ineligible because of an insufficient earnings history, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income SSI.

  3. Medical condition – Your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months. A licensed physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant and/or psychologist must confirm the severity of your condition. Additionally, you should have received medical treatment within the last year before applying. If not, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may require you to undergo an examination through Disability Determination Services (DDS) to assess your condition.

  4. Income limitations – If you are still capable of working despite your disability, your earnings must remain below the threshold for “substantial gainful activity.” As of 2025, this monthly income limit is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.

Obtaining SSD benefits can be time-consuming, with SSA reviews typically lasting between three to five months. In Tennessee, the average processing time is currently around 400 days. Additionally, there is a mandatory five-month waiting period after the disability onset date before payments begin to accrue.

A large percentage of SSD applications are initially denied. Many denials stem from minor paperwork errors, incomplete medical documentation or SSA disputes over the severity of an applicant’s condition. Other common reasons for denial include failure to comply with prescribed medical treatments, failure to provide complete work history or lack of cooperation in the review process.

Seeking assistance from an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can greatly improve your chances of obtaining benefits. A skilled lawyer can help you avoid common appeal mistakes, gather necessary documentation, and navigate the appeals process.

If your initial claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal the decision. The first stage of appeal, known as reconsideration, has a relatively low approval rate. If it is unsuccessful, the next step is requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. This hearing allows you to present additional evidence (including testimony) to support your claim. If your case is not successful at this stage, further appeal options may be available.

At Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, P.C., in Bristol, we are committed to helping you secure the disability benefits you deserve. We represent disability claimants throughout the entire Upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region. Contact us at 423-797-6022 or contact us online for a free consultation.