Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are required to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that their “disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.” Many applicants mistakenly believe they must be out-of-work for a period of six months to one year before applying for SSDI. However, applicants should apply for SSDI as soon as they are diagnosed with a serious disability that meets the requirements outlined above.