You are here:About>Health>Arthritis> Disability / Money Matters> Disability And Arthritis> Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits
About.comArthritis
Suggested Reading

SSDI - Do You Qualify? Arthritis And Social Security DisabilityGuide To Disability ServicesApplying For SSDI: 5 Part Self Help GuideSocial Security Disability - How To Apply Step-By-Step

Related Sites

Senior LivingSenior HealthPhysical Therapy

How To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits

From Carol & Richard Eustice,
Your Guide to Arthritis.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
Improve your chance of being awarded Social Security Disability benefits on the first attempt.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 5 hours

Here's How:

  1. Apply by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office, or by mail.

  2. Gather pertinent information for each person applying for benefits, including spouse and children if they are applying.

  3. You will need: Social Security numbers of all applicants.

  4. Original or certified copies of birth certificates for proof of age of all applicants.

  5. Spouses death certificate if applying as a disabled widow/widower.

  6. Dates of any prior marriages if spouse is applying.

  7. Summary of employers names and addresses for past 15 years.

  8. Copy of W-2, and if self-employed, federal tax return for past year.

  9. Names, addresses, phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, clinics where you were treated, including dates and reason for treatment.

  10. Names, dosages, and side effects of all medications you are taking.

  11. Medical records from doctors, therapists, and hospitals including laboratory and test results.

  12. Thorough explanation of why you can no longer work.

Tips:

  1. Do not delay filing for benefits just because you think you do not have all the information you will need.

  2. Answer the application in great detail and make a copy before mailing back.

  3. Understand the process and have patience.

Updated: December 7, 2006
About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.
Dealing With Heart Disease

Heart Disease BasicsCommon SymptomsTreatment OptionsReducing Your RiskWomen and Heart Disease

 All Topics | Email Article | Print this Page | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
More from About, Inc.: Calorie Count Plus | UCompareHealthCare
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Corrections | Privacy Policy		©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.