Tuesday, October 19, 2010

How do I Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits?

You may apply for Social Security Disability benefits in person at your local Social Security Administration office, by phone, on-line, or by mail.  If you choose to hire an attorney, this representative can file your application for you with your assistance.  You can apply online if you are over 18 years of age, have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify, reside in the US or one of its territories/commonwealths, and have a medical condition that has or is expected to prevent you from working for 12 months or more or result in death.  At this time, SSI applications cannot be completed on line.

The application requires you to provide information about your impairments, medical history, any health care providers you have seen, and your work and educational history.  You will need military service discharge information, W-2 forms, Social Security numbers for you and your family and a bank account number.  The application will also require that you provide information of family members or close friends who can assist with your claim, medications and other personal information.  It is important to be thorough and honest when answering these questions as they are used to help the agency or an Administrative Law Judge to make the determination of disability in your case. It is recommended that you obtain representation to assist you with the application process.