How to File for Social Security Disability
Applying for Social Security Disability can be a truly daunting task. The process to file for Social Security Disability application is long and you need to make sure that all details and documents in your application form are correct.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file for Social Security Disability :
Applying for Social Security Disability
You can apply for Social Security Disability in multiple ways –
- Online: you can go to the SSA website and submit an Online Application
- Telephonically: you can call the SSA toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 and an SSA representatives can make an appointment for your to be able to have your application form filled in telephonically
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, then you can call the SSA TTY number 1-800-325-0778, between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday
- Personally: You can also call the toll-free number to make an appointment to meet an SSA officer at the Social Security Administration Office closest to you
- Have someone represent you: You can also hire an advocate to represent you and help you with the entire application process
The process seems simple enough. Simply apply for Social Security Disability and then wait for your application to be approved. However, it isn’t that simple. The SSA has very stringent guidelines on what qualifies as a disability and this is the reason why most people’s applications are rejected in the first stage itself. That, and the fact that a lot of people miss out of tiny but critical details while filing for Social Security Disability.
Getting it Right
A couple of years ago, CNBC published an article about how to file for Social Security Disability and increase the chances of your application being approved. The article holds true till today.
Here are the steps on how to file for Social Security Disability successfully:
- Make sure all your documents are in place
This is absolutely critical for your application. And this is exactly where a lot of people’s applications fail. To ensure that you have every single document that you may need for your application, go through the Disability Starter Kit.
The Disability Starter Kit will tell you what kinds of documents you need to submit with your application. To help you along, the Kit also has a checklist of documents and information that the SSA will ask you for.
Another publication you should go through before you submit your application is the Blue Book. This is a list of disabilities that are considered serious enough to warrant Social Security Disability. The list describes each of the conditions and also lists out the documents and other evidences required to prove that you have this condition.
- Follow up after submitting your application
A lot of us will sit pretty after having submitted out applications for Social Security Disability. And this is another reason for failure. After you have submitted your application, the SSA will send you a package with another set of forms. It is a good idea to re-submit copies of all the evidences you had originally submitted. With millions of forms being processed every day, it is common for documents to be waylaid.
- Don’t work full time while applying or waiting for your claim approval, if you can
This is a really difficult one. But if you can afford not to work while you apply for Social Security Disability, then do so. Working full time while applying is a perfect way to get rejected since your claim is based on your inability to work gainfully due to your disability.
