No, you do not need an empty bank account to apply for disability.
If you have worked in recent years and earned sufficient work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, or if you are applying for Disabled Widow’s or Widower’s benefits or Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank or other assets in your possession. You should not wait to file the claim.
However, if you are only eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then assets such as money in the bank may keep you from qualifying for SSI benefits. You will need to go through a financial screen with your local Social Security district office to determine whether any income you have or money in the bank will keep you from qualifying for SSI.
