How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is administered on a federal basis by the Social Security Administration. It provides assistance to those who have disabilities and require medical support.

The SSDI program pays out benefits to insured individuals who have previously worked and paid Social Security taxes based on their earnings. There is an additional program, known as the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that pays benefits to individuals with reduced income due to their disabilities.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Applying for either the SSDI or SSI requires the same medical criteria, despite being two separate programs. You can apply for disability benefits via an online application form, by phone, or in person. Regardless of which method of application you use, you will need to follow the same general steps.

As part of your application process, you will need to gather information and documentation about your situation. Any documents that you submit will be assessed against something known as the Adult Disability Checklist.

After this point, all you need to do is wait for your application to be assessed. This assessment ensures that you meet all of the necessary criteria and checks that you have worked the minimum number of years to qualify for the program.

The State agency makes the final decision as to whether or not your SSDI application is approved and you gain disability benefits.

If your application has been declined and you want to appeal this decision, get in touch with a social security disability law firm. They can assist you to improve your chances of being accepted into the program.

What Forms to Provide in Your Application

To successfully apply for the SSDI, you will need to supply information about various aspects of your life.

Personal Details

• Your date of birth and where you were born
• Your social security numbers

Marriage and Spousal Details

• The name, date of birth, and social security number of your current spouse and and previous spouses that you’ve had
• The date and place of marriage, divorce, or death if appropriate
• The names and dates of birth of any children that you have who are below the age of 18

Medical Details

• Information about medical condition, including the details of the doctors and hospitals where you have received medical help
• The names and dosages of medications that you are currently taking and the names of those who prescribed these medications

Employment Details

• The amount of money that you earned through work in the year of application and the previous year
• The name and address of your employer
• The start and end dates of any employment that you had in the 15 years leading up to your disability

Evidence

The following documents might be required as part of your application as evidence and confirmation of your details.

• Birth certificate
• Citizenship
• Employment documentation and wage slips, including tax returns if you’ve been self-employed
• Medical evidence, such as doctor’s notes and recent medical reports
• Worker’s compensation benefits