How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has now made it fairly easy to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Individuals now have 3 options by which they can apply. The options to apply over the phone or at your local SSA office are still available. However, the SSA has introduced a new way to apply through their online application. This means, no more long waits at the SSA office and the choice of applying in the comfort of your own pajamas!
Individuals who prefer to apply over the phone can call the SSA’s toll free line at 1-800-772-1213. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing you can call the TTY toll-free line at 1-800-325-0778. Social Security Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM. Simply tell the representative which benefits you wish to apply for and they will work with you over the phone to complete your application. For those who prefer to complete their applications in person, you can call and schedule an appointment to complete your application at your local Social Security administration office. For those who prefer the easier and quicker route of applying online, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/ and follow the four easy steps outlined.
Before you call, stop by or complete your application online, make sure you gather ALL the important paperwork that you may need. The more information you have to prove your disability, the more likely you will have a successful case. Important information to gather includes:
- Social Security Cards
- Birth certificates
- W-2 forms from previous year
- Contact information for all the doctors/hospitals/clinics that you’ve attended
- Any medical records
- Names of medications
- Name and date of medical test
- Job history
- Contact information for an individual other than your doctor who knows about your medical condition and can help with your claim.
For more information about Social Security disability benefits, a Social Security disability lawyer or to receive assistance in filing your Social Security disability claim, call The Cochran Firm today at 1-800-THE-FIRM (843-3476) or easily fill out the form on this page.
