Tips for Submitting Your Social Security Disability Application
Are you looking for tips on submitting your application for Social Security disability benefits?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
In today’s video, we will discuss some considerations that you may want to make before you submit your application for Social Security disability benefits.
Step 1: Gather All Required Information and Documents
You can obtain the Adult Disability Checklist online from the Social Security Administration’s website to ensure that you have all of the necessary information and relevant documents ready for you to apply.
That includes information like:
- Your birth information
- Marital status
- Children’s names and birth dates
- Military service records
- Employment history for the past 5 years
- Your direct deposit information
Step 2: Collect Comprehensive Medical Information
You want to also collect comprehensive medical information, including:
- The names and contact information of all medical providers
- The dates of any examinations and treatments that you’ve received from those medical providers
- Any patient ID numbers that you have handy
- Medications that have been prescribed
- Medical test results
- Any hospitalizations, ER visits, surgical procedures, and imaging reports
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you have all of the requested information, you can then complete and submit your application to the Social Security Administration.
You can do that by applying:
- Online
- By phone
- In person with your local Social Security office
If you’re applying online, the easiest way to do that is to create or log into your my Social Security account and complete the disability benefit application.
You’ll want to again provide details about:
- Your disabling condition
- The way it limits your ability to work
- Your education
- Your job history
Step 4: Follow Up and Be Responsive
After submitting your application, the Social Security Administration will review the application to:
- Verify that you meet basic requirements
- Confirm that you have enough work credits
They may also request additional information or medical examinations.
You will receive a decision by mail once one has been made.
Step 5: Understand the Appeals Process
If denied, you will have 60 days from the date of the decision to appeal the decision in writing.
The appeals process can be lengthy and may involve:
- Reconsideration by the Social Security Administration
- A hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
- An Appeals Council review
- Potentially a federal court review
Thanks so much for watching!
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
