Part 4 of 5 - A Self-Help Guide: Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits By Janie M. Laubscher
Make An Appointment With Social Security
Most Social Security offices do claims-related business by appointment. You can apply ("file") for benefits in person or by mail or phone. (Editor note: You can now also apply for Social Security Disability Benefits online -- see below -- ) The choice is yours but I recommend you do it in person if possible. Here's why: During your interview, a Claims Representative will have the opportunity to observe you and will record in your file any difficulties you're having with such things as:
- walking
- sitting
- writing
- using your hands
The Claims Representative is an objective source and his/her observations are considered important evidence.
Call SSA's toll-free number (1-800-772-1213) to make the appointment to apply in person. You'll receive a written notice from Social Security confirming the date and time of your appointment. You'll also receive a list of information and evidence to bring to your appointment. (See the sample at the end of PART 3 - Get Organized.) If you have any medical reports about your condition(s), bring them too - it will save time. But if you don't have them, don't try to get them. The State Agency will request them.
You will also receive a form to complete and bring to your appointment. It is called "Disability Report", and it is one of the most important documents in your disability file
Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits Online
You now have the option to complete the process online. To apply for disability benefits online (for an adult), you will still need to complete an "Application" for Social Security Benefits AND an "Adult Disability Report". If you decide you do not want to do this online or if you still need help, you may still call Social Security toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment and they will help you in person or by phone. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call their toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.Forms
The basic paperwork to apply for SSDI consists of both the:
A Claims Representative will fill out the "Application" during your appointment. You will fill out the "Disability Report" before your appointment. It's important to have time to work on it at home because when completed, that big green Disability Report will contain critical information not found anywhere else in your disability file. Treat it like the important document it is. Take the time to give it your best effort.
When you get it, read it carefully but do not start writing yet.
Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits - A 5 Part Self-Help Guide
In the next part, PART 5 -Seize The Opportunity To Present Your Case, I'll give you a strategy to help you seize your opportunity to present your critical information completely and accurately on the Disability Report.
Related Resources - Social Security Disability Benefits
About the author: Janie Laubscher was directly involved in the Social Security disability claims process throughout her 25-year career with the Social Security Administration. As a Claims Representative, she helped applicants complete their applications for SSDI benefits, and as a manager, she oversaw the entire disability process in her offices. She also worked as a disability determination specialist for the agency in her state that makes disability decisions for Social Security. In that position, she made the disability decision on initial SSDI claims. More recently, after her retirement, she was a successful applicant for her own SSDI benefits.
