Individuals can apply for SSA disability online, over the phone, or at their local Social Security office by providing a few key pieces of information.

What is SSA disability?

Most people do not think they will end up becoming disabled and may not adequately plan for that outcome. However, disability is more common than most people think. One in four 20-year-old workers will become disabled before reaching retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Because of the relatively prevalent risk for disability, people can purchase some sort of disability insurance coverage through their work or a private company. Unfortunately, insurance can be expensive, so many people rely on benefits provided by the federal Social Security Administration.

The SSA offers disability benefits to certain workers under two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

The Social Security disability program offers disability benefits to people who have worked for a long enough time and paid into Social Security benefits during the course of their employment. Adult children may also qualify for their eligible parents’ benefits if their disability started before the age of 22.

The SSI program is different because it does not rely on taxes paid into Social Security over a long period of employment. Instead, these benefits are available to disabled adults and children who are limited in their income and/or resources.

For both programs, the application process is the same and decisions are made using the same medical requirements.

How do I apply for SSA disability?

According to the SSA, individuals should apply for disability benefits as soon as they become disabled. Applications can be done through the SSA website, over the phone, or by calling or visiting a local Social Security office.

An SSA disability application requires several types of documentation about both the applicant and their family members. In general, the following information may be needed:

• Applicant Social Security number and proof of age
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of the people taking care of the disability (doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics), including visit dates
• Names and dosages for any medications related to the disability
• Medical records already obtained from doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers
• Laboratory and test results
• Summary of employment, including where and what type of work was done
• Most recent W-2 form for applicant or copy of federal tax return (for self-employed applicants)
• Social Security numbers and proof of age for each family members who may receive benefits
• Proof of marriage, if the applicant’s spouse is applying for benefits

The SSA notes that all documentation must be original documents or copies certified by the source.

If benefits are approved, they will start being paid for the sixth full month of a disability. However, the SSA notes that benefits are paid in the month following for the month that they are do. For example, if your sixth full month of a disability is in December, you will be paid those disability benefits in January.

Moreover, the majority of Social Security disability applications are denied. Fortunately, there is a process in place to help get applications approved: the appeals process.

Do I need to consult an attorney?

The process can be complicated and stressful, with a lot at stake, but consulting an experienced attorney can help. If your claim for disability benefits has already been denied, there is still a window of opportunity to enter the appeals process, and an attorney can help with filing the most effective appeal.

Consulting attorney and going through the claims process to receive your Social Security disability benefits can seem like a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.