How to File for Social Security Disability

It used to be that to file for disability – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – the claimant needed to call the Social Security Administration (SSA), request an application, and then wait to be interviewed.

Today, there are more convenient options:

• Complete your application online.
• Call the SSA’s toll-free telephone number 800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call at TTY 800-325-0778.
• Call or visit your local Social Security office. Note that If you want to apply in person, call and make an appointment before you visit your local office – especially with the COVID-19 crisis.

If you wish to help another person apply for disability benefits, we recommend you read Helping Someone Apply Online.

What Information Will Be Needed?

• Your Social Security number.
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals and clinics that have treated you, and the dates of your visits.
• Names and dosages of all the medications you are currently taking.
• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers that you already have in your possession.
• Your work history information for the past 15 years, including locations, job titles, dates of employment, hours worked per week/month, and rate of pay.
• If you were self-employed, a copy of your federal tax return.

If you apply online, it may also be a good idea to call your Social Security office simply to confirm that your electronic application was actually received. Not everything that is transmitted online actually arrives at its proper destination.

Be Prepared to Appeal

Completing the necessary steps to file for disability is only the beginning. Getting an initial answer on a Social Security or SSI disability claim can easily take a number of months. And at the end of that time, most claimants will find that their case for benefits has been denied. Nationwide, seven out of 10 disability cases are turned down at the initial application stage. What this means for most disability claimants is that they will need to file one or more appeals for SSI or SSDI. The majority of claims will need to be heard by an Administrative Law Judge, which can take, on average, 1-2 years after you initially file your application.

We’re Here to Help

At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we have helped countless clients navigate the complex SSA system. Having an attorney is your best chance to receive the benefits you need and deserve. For an overview of “How Long Will the Social Security Process Take,” you might find this video helpful.

Our attorneys are experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate. But don’t just take our word for it. Take a moment to read our reviews. Also, your first consultation is always free. Contact us at 877.526.3457 or jandils.com. Or if you’d prefer to contact us online, please fill out this form and we will respond to you shortly.