If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll likely need to go through an interview as part of the process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the information gathered during interviews to determine your eligibility for benefits.
Providing clear and truthful answers is critical to ensuring your case is processed accurately. The SSA will compare your responses with your medical evidence and other submitted documents. If there are discrepancies, it could negatively impact your application.
To help you feel prepared, this comprehensive guide outlines the most common SSDI and SSI interview questions you’ll encounter, along with advice on how to answer them effectively.
Common Disability (SSDI) Interview Questions
When applying for SSDI, the SSA’s priority is to assess your disability and determine if it meets their criteria. Here are the most frequent questions you may face:
1. What was your last job, and when did you stop working?
The SSA needs to know your disability onset date, which reflects when your condition became severe enough to stop you from working. This date influences when your benefits could begin.
Be prepared to provide details about your most recent employment, such as job title, responsibilities, and the specific date you stopped working.
2. What medical tests and evaluations have you undergone?
List all relevant medical tests, including bloodwork, imaging (like MRIs or X-rays), and psychological evaluations if applicable. If possible, provide dates and facilities where the tests were conducted. This helps the SSA verify the medical foundation of your claim.
3. Can you share details about your medical appointments?
You’ll need to provide:
- The names, addresses, and contact numbers of your doctors or specialists
- Dates of appointments and treatments
This shows that you’re actively seeking medical care and taking steps to address your condition.
4. What medications are you taking?
Outline any prescriptions, including the name, dosage, and purpose of each medication. For example, if you’re taking medication for debilitating pain or mental health conditions, this adds weight to your claim.
5. What treatments or therapies have been prescribed for your condition?
Whether it’s physical therapy, surgery, or other specialized treatments, the SSA will evaluate how these affect your ability to recover and work.
6. Where did you work before your disability? What were your duties?
Describe your previous employers and job roles. The SSA will analyze whether your past job duties align with your current limitations. They’ll want to see whether your disability prevents you from performing the tasks required for similar roles.
7. Is your condition related to an injury, such as a workplace accident?
If your disability stems from a workplace injury, be transparent. You may also need to indicate whether you’ve received workers’ compensation, which could impact your SSDI benefits.
8. What is your level of education?
Your educational history helps the SSA evaluate whether there are other job opportunities you could undertake despite your disability. For instance, a person with a bachelor’s degree in administrative work may still qualify for desk jobs, depending on their limitations.
9. Can you perform daily activities independently?
You may be asked how your condition affects your ability to live independently, such as dressing, cooking, or driving. Be honest, since this assessment plays a role in determining the severity of your limitations.
10. Do you expect your condition to improve?
Highlight whether your condition is temporary or permanent and whether your doctors have indicated any prognosis for improvement.
Common SSI Interview Questions
Unlike SSDI, SSI eligibility is primarily based on financial need. These interviews assess both your medical and financial circumstances. Here are some of the key questions often posed:
1. What is your marital status?
Your spouse’s income is factored into SSI calculations. Married couples have a different income limit to qualify for SSI benefits ($1,479 per month in 2025).
2. What is your current living situation?
Are you renting, living with relatives, or staying in subsidized housing? If you share living expenses, provide details about who pays for what, as this impacts your eligibility and benefit amount.
3. How many people live in your household?
The SSA assesses whether others in your household contribute to your financial needs. For example, if you rely on relatives to pay your bills, this might impact how much you qualify for.
4. How much do you spend on household expenses each month?
Prepare an estimate of regular expenses, such as rent, utilities, and food. The SSA will use this information to understand your financial situation better.
5. What are your sources of income?
SSI applicants must meet strict income limits. Income can include wages, Social Security benefits, or even gifts and resources provided by friends or family members. For 2025, the income limit remains $914 per month for individuals and $1,371 for couples.
6. Do you have any assets or resources?
To qualify for SSI, the value of your resources must remain below the SSA limit ($2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples). Common resources assessed include:
- Bank account balances
- Vehicles (not used for work or medical transport)
- Real estate (excluding primary residence)
- Investments or retirement accounts
7. Does your spouse earn income?
Since SSI is a needs-based program, the SSA considers your household’s overall income and available resources when determining eligibility. Keep information about any spousal income ready.
8. Have you applied for other benefits?
Disclose whether you’re receiving, or have applied for, unemployment, workers’ compensation, or SNAP benefits, as these may affect your eligibility or payment amount.
Tips for Successfully Navigating SSDI and SSI Interviews
Preparing for your interview is essential to improve your chances of approval. Follow these tips:
1. Be Honest and Transparent
Under no circumstances should you lie or withhold information, as this can disqualify your claim and even lead to legal consequences.
2. Don’t Embellish Your Answers
It’s important to accurately describe your condition and limitations. Exaggerating details could harm your credibility, especially if your answers conflict with your medical records.
3. Stay Calm and Polite
Feeling stressed during the interview is normal, but try to stay calm. Take your time answering questions and be as clear as possible.
4. Have All Your Documents on Hand
Keep a folder with all your relevant documents, including medical records, pay stubs, and utility bills. This will make answering specific questions quicker and smoother.
5. Practice Ahead of Time
Consider rehearsing answers to common questions with a trusted friend or family member. They can provide feedback or help you identify areas to improve.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to expect during your SSDI or SSI interview can help alleviate stress and increase your confidence. Make use of this guide to prepare your answers and gather any documents you may need. Most importantly, remain truthful and thorough throughout the process.
If you need professional guidance or assistance with your application, consider consulting an experienced disability attorney. Victor Malca Law specializes in workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability cases, helping Floridians secure the benefits they need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
VICTOR MALCA – Florida Workers Compensation & Social Security Disability Attorney
Victor Malca P.A. has over 27 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. His experience and continued success when fighting for his clients puts him among the most trusted workers’ compensation attorney’s in Florida. He specializes in representing injured workers on compensation benefit cases and disabled individuals claiming lost social security disability benefits.
Book a free consultation today. Our unwavering advocacy for employee rights and privileges are recognized by our past clients across South Florida.
About The Author
Meet writer Rei Bayucca, a graduate of Saint Louis University with a passion for writing about legal topics. Explore insightful articles tailored to solve your most pressing issues. Rei’s expertly crafted content is thoroughly researched and fact checked.