HomeFactsHow To Apply For Social Security Disability

How To Apply For Social Security Disability

Documents You May Need To Provide

SSDI, SSI & Retirement | Social Security Disability Insurance & Supplemental Income | theSITREP

We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:

  • Birth certificate or other proof of birth
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States
  • U.S. military discharge paper if you had military service before 1968
  • W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns for last year
  • An Adult Disability Report that collects more details about your illnesses, injuries or conditions, and your work history
  • Medical evidence already in your possession. This includes medical records, doctors’ reports, and recent test results and
  • Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits you received .

Important

We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate.

Do not delay applying for benefits because you do not have all the documents. We will help you get them.

What Happens If The Dac Gets Married

If the child receives benefits as a DAC, the benefits generally end if they get married. However, some marriages are considered protected.

The rules vary depending on the situation. Contact a Social Security representative at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if the benefits can continue.

1-800-772-1213

To speed up the application process, complete an Adult Disability Report and have it available at the time of your appointment.

Other Ways You Can Apply

Apply With Your Local Office

You can do most of your business with Social Security online. If you cannot use these online services, your local Social Security office can help you apply. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator and looking under Social Security Office Information. The toll-free Office number is your local office.

Apply By Phone

If You Do Not Live in the U.S. Or One of Its Territories

Contact the if you live outside the U.S. or a U.S. territory and wish to apply for retirement benefits.

Mailing Your Documents

If you mail any documents to us, you must include the Social Security number so that we can match them with the correct application. Do not write anything on the original documents. Please write the Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and include it in the mailing envelope along with the documents.

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Get Ssa Benefits While Living Abroad

U.S. citizens can travel to or live in most, but not all, foreign countries and still receive their Social Security benefits. You can find out if you can receive benefits overseas by using the Social Security Administrations payment verification tool. Once you access the tool, pick the country you’re visiting or living in from the drop-down menu options.

Some Publications That Will Give You More Information On Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Printable Forms

The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18.

The starter kits provide information about the specific documents and the information that we will request from you.

The kits also provide general information about the disability programs and our decision-making process.

Here are some additional resources with information on disability benefits:

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What Do I Need To Know About Advance Designation

You should be aware of another type of representation called .

Advance Designation allows capable adult and emancipated minors who are applying for or receiving Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Special Veterans Benefits the option to choose up to three people in advance who could serve as their representative payee, if the need arises.

In the event that you can no longer manage your benefits, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing that someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits for you. If you need a representative payee to assist with the management of your benefits, we will first consider your advance designees. We must still fully evaluate them and determine their suitability at that time.

You can submit and update your advance designation request when you apply for benefits or after you are already receiving benefits. You may do so through your personal account, contacting us by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 , or at .

How To Get Paid To Take Care Of A Family Member With A Disability

There are many government programs that allow family members of people with disabilities to get paid for caring for them.One program is called Medicaid Self-Directed Care.

Medicaid Self-Directed Care is a program that lets qualified people manage their own health services. The program also lets them hire family members as caregivers in some states.

There are 12 states that provide family caregiver pay . Those states are Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

If you live in one of those states, you should check to see how to get paid by the state for taking care of someone. Those states pay any relatives, including spouses, parents of minor children, and other legally responsible relatives to take care of a family member with a disability.

If you have a loved one applying for Social Security disability benefits on behalf of a loved one with a disability as their caregiver, you cannot get paid directly from the SSA.

The SSA does not pay caregivers to take care of their loved ones who are on Social Security disability benefits .

You could get paid as a caregiver to take care for a loved one with a disability, though through other programs there are other ways in which you could get paid taking care of a loved one.

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Apply For Benefits Online

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you develop a disability. Follow these easy steps to apply online for disability:

  • To start your application, go to our Apply for Benefits page, and read and agree to the Terms of Service. Click Next.
  • On that page, review the Getting Ready section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
  • Select Start A New Application.
  • We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
  • You will then sign in to your personal mySocial Security account, or you will be prompted to create one.
  • Complete the application.

You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you:

  • Are age 18 or older.
  • Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
  • Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
  • Have not been denied for disability in the last 60 days.
  • Note: If your application was recently denied, our application is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made.

You may be able to file online for SSI at the same time that you file for SSDI benefits. Once you complete the online process described above, a Social Security representative will contact you if we need additional information.

Medical Eligibility For Benefits

Social Security Disability Good News August 2022

Every Social Security disability caregiver application is reviewed against listings that appear in the SSAs Blue Book. Listed disabilities include a range of serious illnesses. Some disabilities listed in the Blue Book include:

For example, Parkinson’s disease will medically qualify if the person you’re caring for cannot walk without assistance, or perform dexterous movements due to tremors in two or more limbs. Those with ALS will automatically medically qualify.

Youll want to discuss your Social Security disability caregiver application with the individual for whom youre applying as well as their doctor. Together, youll get an idea of the listing under which your friend or family member may qualify. In turn, this will help you determine whether your friend or family member’s existing medical records are sufficient evidence for the Social Security disability caregiver application or if additional documentation must be collected in order to have the strongest application possible.

Although you can complete SSI and SSDI applications on someone elses behalf , he or she will still be required to sign certain documents, unless you are a legal guardian or hold power of attorney for this person. The applications themselves must be signed, in addition to consent forms, which gives the SSA permission to contact doctors and other healthcare providers and to request medical records and other documentation.

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Report The Death Of A Social Security Or Medicare Beneficiary

You must report the death of a family member receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration processes death reports for both. Find out how you can report a death and how to cancel benefit payments. In addition to canceling SSA and Medicare benefits, find out what other benefits and accounts you should cancel.

Learn How A Social Security Disability Advocate Can Help

An experienced advocate can help ensure that your application is complete, that youve provided the right documentation, and that you havent made mistakes that could delay or derail your claim. The earlier you get knowledgeable guidance, the better.

If youve already filed and your claim has been denied, we can help with that, too. Call 800-2009 to learn more about how we can put our experience to work for you.

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Adults With A Disability That Began Before Age 22

An adult who has a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits if their parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. We consider this a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.

The Disabled Adult Child who may be an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchild must be unmarried, age 18 or older, have a qualified disability that started before age 22, and meet the definition of disability for adults.

Example

It is not necessary that the DAC ever worked. Benefits are paid based on the parent’s earnings record.

  • A DAC must not have substantial earnings. The amount of earnings we consider substantial increases each year. In 2022, this means working and earning more than $1,350 a month.

Working While Disabled: How We Can Help

What Conditions Qualify For Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Application Form Printable

There is no set list of approved disabilities, but the Social Security Blue Book, also known as Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, is an online directory of physical and mental health conditions that automatically qualify if you meet the stringent requirements for diagnosis. For adults, they are broadly split into 14 categories.

  • Blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, thrombosis and hemophilia
  • Cancer, including Leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, breast cancer and prostate cancer
  • Cardiovascular illnesses, such as congenital heart disease and heart failure
  • Cognitive andmental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, dementia, depression and intellectual disabilities
  • Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems, such as non-mosaic Down syndrome
  • Digestive system illnesses, such as bowel or liver disease
  • Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
  • Genitourinary disorders like chronic kidney disease
  • Immune system diseases like HIV, inflammatory arthritis and lupus
  • Musculoskeletal issues that are congenital or acquired, such as spinal disorders or amputations
  • Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injuries
  • Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Special sense and speech disorders, such as impaired hearing, sight and speech
  • Skin disorders, such as burns, dermatitis and ichthyosis

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How To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security disability can provide essential income and access to medical care for those who qualify. But, the process can be complicated and discouraging. The more you know in advance about how the process works and what is expected of you, the better.

This post provides an overview of how to apply for Social Security disability benefits. If you need additional information or assistance, a Social Security Disability Advocate can be your best resource.

Can You Do Any Other Type Of Work

If you cant do the work you did in the past, we look to see if there is other work you could do despite your medical impairment.

We consider your medical conditions, age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills you may have. If you cant do other work, well decide you qualify for disability benefits. If you can do other work, well decide that you dont have a qualifying disability and your claim will be denied.

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The Best Way To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits

Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.

Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.

Applying For Social Security Disability

ITU webinar: Social Security and Disability Benefits

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. You can complete some or all of the forms online or you may call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Staff personnel at SSA office can assist you either in person or by phone.

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How To Stop Social Security Check Payments

The SSA can not pay benefits for the month of a recipients death. That means if the person died in July, the check received in August must be returned. Find out how to return a check to the SSA.

If the payment is by direct deposit, notify the financial institution as soon as possible so it can return any payments received after death. For more about the requirement to return benefits for the month of a beneficiarys death, see the top of page 11 of this SSA publication.

Family members may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits when a person getting benefits dies. Visit the SSA’s Survivors Benefits page to learn more.

What To Expect After You Apply For Disability Benefits

It typically takes three to six months to receive a determination on your initial application for Social Security disability benefits. If your initial application is denied, dont be discouraged. The approval rate is low at the initial application stage, but many of those applicants go on to receive benefits at a later stage in the process.

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Request An Appeal Online

Recent changes to the appeals process now make it possible to request an appeal online if you were recently denied Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income . This can save you time and may lead to a faster decision. You can also go online to check the status of your appeal.

To request an appeal online:

  • Go to
  • Check the appeals page to make sure you have the electronic documents you need to submit
  • How Can A Social Security Lawyer Help

    Social Security Disability Application Form

    You should contact a Social Security benefits lawyer as soon as you find out that you are disabled in accordance with the social security definition. Although Social Security Disability lawyers are not required for the application process, they are familiar with the paperwork and can help you along the process.

    Social Security lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can also help you if your application is denied, which happens more often than you would expect around 60% of initial claims are rejected. Even the smallest mistakes can jeopardize your chances. An extra pair of experienced eyes can help you avoid this and save you the grief of going through an appeals process. If you did not hire a Social Security lawyer during the application process, it is imperative to get in touch with one during the appeals process.

    If you have any questions regarding the social security benefits program, application or appeals process, contact our Social Security lawyers for a free consultation at . There is no obligation for a case evaluation, and no fee is charged unless a recovery is made.

    Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.

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    Next Steps For Apply For Ssdi Or Ssi Benefits

    Evidence required by DDS for case documentation

    Once you apply for disability benefits with the SSA, the Disability Determination Services , a division of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, will review your case. DDS will review medical information and vocational information, if necessary, that includes:

    • A history of all work performed in the last 15 years
    • A description of the physical demands and skill requirements for each job
    • Educational history

    When all required medical and vocational information is received, the disability examiner and staff physician and/or psychologist carefully evaluate each claim, using a sequential evaluation process.

    The following people or agencies can help supply the information that is needed to process a claim for disability benefits.

    • Treating physicians and psychologists
    • Consultative examinations authorized by the DDS
  • Non-physician health care professionals
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