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How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability?

Once you determine that your injury or medical condition has affected your ability to work and earn an income, it may be time to consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).  The sooner you weigh your needs and options after becoming disabled, the sooner you may begin to collect benefits and regain financial security.  However, the process might be overwhelming and intimidating.  Knowing what to expect from the process takes some of the stress away.

Tired old senior business woman taking off glasses suffers from eyestrain, stress, headache, fatigue after computer use work in office. Exhausted sick mature lady feels eye strain problem at workplace

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Apply for SSDI or SSI

There are two factors to eligibility for SSDI. The first is whether or not your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (“SSA”)  definition of disability. To qualify as disabled under Social Security guidelines, you must have a medically diagnosed physical or mental condition—or a combination of conditions—that prevents you from performing substantial work. This impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal.  Simply put, if you have a condition that prevents you from working and is not expected to improve for at least 12 months, then you may qualify for benefits.

However, medical eligibility alone is not enough. You also must be eligible for Social Security through your work history. SSDI is a program that you have paid into via taxes on your earnings throughout your working life. You need to have paid into the program for a certain number of quarters depending on your age. You are considered fully insured if you have earned enough qualifying quarters. If you have been consistently working until you become disabled, then you may be eligible.  If you do not have enough quarters of credit (i.e. you are not “insured”), then you may be able to apply for SSI, if you meet the definition of disability and if you are not over asset or other income in the household.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Apply Over the Phone or Online

You can apply for SSDI online or over the phone at a set appointment time.  If you are not computer savvy, it may be best to request a phone intake appointment.   Either way, it will take you a significant amount of time to fill out or answer the necessary questions about your work history, your disabilities, what medications you are on, and which medical providers you treat with for your disability.  On-line it may take you 2 or more hours.  Via the phone, it will likely be an hour for your initial application.

If you choose to apply over the phone, you will have the benefit of someone who will walk you through the process. If you struggle when using the computer and are more comfortable on the phone, this can be less intimidating. However, with staffing reductions and high application rates, you may have trouble getting a phone appointment to complete your application and may face wait times. In addition, if you are hard of hearing, have difficulty speaking articulately, or struggle with comprehension, there is a high potential for misunderstandings. If you do not have all the necessary information during your phone call, then the process may be delayed.

If you are comfortable on the computer, then applying online is another option. The process is secure, straightforward, and convenient. You can choose a time when you can focus on your application, and since the online portal is available any time, you can take breaks if you need to, find someone who can help you, and step away to gather the paperwork you need. You can upload your paperwork directly, which reduces the chance of lost or incomplete records. However, if you are not comfortable on the computer or have issues with your vision, then this may also be difficult.

Ideally, whichever method you choose should be one you feel comfortable with using. If you worry you will struggle, then you should have someone with you to help you through the process.

Step 3: Collect Your Information

One of the primary reasons that initial SSDI claims are denied is insufficient information. You will need to gather a good amount of documentation to support your eligibility. This includes your identifying documents (birth certificate, proof of citizenship) and work history, as well as a comprehensive report of the medical condition that caused your disability. You may also need to provide:

  • A list names, addresses, approximate treatment dates, and phone numbers of all the doctors, specialists, therapists, and any other medical professionals who have been involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your condition
  • A full description of your injury or medical condition
  • The dates and location of testing that has been performed (such as lab work, EEG’s, EKG’s, MRI’s, CT-scans, X-rays)
  • Types of treatment you have received (medication, testing, referrals to experts)
  • A full medication list (list of names, dosage, frequency, side effects)

When in doubt of whether or not you should include a piece of documentation, it is always a good idea to err on the side of including it. When you begin the application process, make sure you have a list of all the places they need to request your medical record from as to your disability.  If you have medical records, then you may turn them in to Social Security.

Step 4: Complete the Forms and Get Medical Letters

After you apply, Social Security may send you more paperwork to fill out for things such as your work history, earnings history, and function form (how the disability impacts your daily life and functions). Upon request of Social Security, you will need to complete all the forms thoroughly and make sure you have letters from all your medical professionals confirming your disability.  It is a good idea to keep a copy of any items you turn in to Social Security in case they lose things.

Step 5: Wait for the Decision

This is the hardest step. The initial disability decision may take 3-6 months from the time of your application.  The amount of time is directly related to the number of applications pending for review, and it is also related to how long it takes Social Security to gather the necessary information to review your file such as medical records, medication list, doctor list, your work history, earnings history, and function form.

You can check your status online or by phone while you wait. It is important to understand that many applications are initially denied.  There is an appeals process, so if your claim is denied, don’t panic. An SSDI attorney can look at your application, determine where you need additional documentation, and help you through the appeals process.

If you’re eligible but find the process intimidating, we can help!  Don’t wait to apply for SSDI because you are unsure or intimidated by the process.

Although the idea of gathering the information and completing the application may be overwhelming, with some focus and preparation, you can get the benefits you may be entitled to receive. If you have questions about the application process, or you’re facing an appeal, contact Arthur Law Firm right away at (419) 782-9881 for a free Social Security Disability consultation.