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COURSE COMPANION • 2026 EDITION

Filing for Disability

Dr. Ed Weir
Former Social Security District Manager · 20 years at SSA · Former Sergeant, USMC

Guide + worksheet · PDF · 27 pages

A clearer path through your Social Security disability application.

This companion follows the eight-module structure of Dr. Ed Weir's course. Learn what SSA needs, describe your limitations accurately, keep track of deadlines, and understand what to do when a decision arrives.

Want help with the application?

You can hire a disability lawyer or one of our former Social Security experts to help you through the process. Our team provides paid application help and educational guidance; our experts are not attorneys.

Meet our team at 24Help.org/experts

Video coming soon. You can start with the guide now. The course video will be added here when it is available.

Your free disability companion

27 pages, including two worksheets and linked official sources.

Request the companion by email, then read it online or save the PDF. Your guide email includes a way to send Dr. Ed a short question.

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What you will learn

  1. Check your coverage. Work credits, the date last insured, and how SSDI differs from SSI.
  2. Understand the decision. SSA's five questions, work limits, past jobs and the role of age.
  3. Prepare to apply. Your onset date, provider list, work history and needed information.
  4. File and follow up. Application options, protective filing, records and examinations.
  5. Explain your limitations. Honest examples, medical opinions, treatment barriers and daily activities.
  6. Manage the wait. A practical routine, urgent circumstances, work reporting and other help.
  7. Read the decision. Back pay, Medicare, appeals and representation.
  8. Check family benefits. Eligible relatives, payment limits, offsets, taxes and support after approval.

Three things to remember

You do not have to wait a year to apply.

If the work-limiting condition is expected to meet SSA's duration requirement, contact SSA promptly. Keep gathering information as you begin.

Specific details help explain your situation.

Describe what you can do, what help you need, how often symptoms interfere, and what happens afterwards. Explain better days and worse days.

A denial has a next step.

Read the reason and the appeal instructions. The usual deadline is 60 days after receipt; follow the notice and keep proof of filing.

About this guide

It focuses on SSDI, insurance based on work covered by Social Security. SSI has different financial rules and is explained where the programs overlap. The guide helps you prepare information; it does not promise eligibility or approval.

For current rules or a question about your claim, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Need Medicare guidance?

Connect with Chapter Medicare for help reviewing your Medicare options: 24help.org/chapter or call 352-841-0632.

Chapter Medicare is an insurance agency. 24Help may receive a referral fee.