How to Apply for Social Security Disability

It may be easier to find a job than to collect disability.

Social Security disability provides monthly cash assistance to qualifying individuals. You must have sufficient Social Security credits or work history to be eligible. Qualification requires total disability, and many applicants do not fit the criteria. If you can work at any employment and earn income above the substantial gainful activity level, the Social Security Administration may not approve you for Social Security disability benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Medical information
• Work history
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Social Security numbers for spouse
• Social Security numbers for children
• Dates of birth for spouse and children
• Marriage certificate
• Direct deposit information
• Military DD-214

Instructions

1. Assemble your medical and work history. Create a list of employers, the dates of the employment and your duties. Prepare a recent medical history since the onset of your disability, with names and addresses of physicians, dates of visits, tests performed and dates of tests. Make a list of your current medications and dosages. You need your Social Security card and birth certificate, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for your spouse and children, and your marriage certificate. You may also need your routing and account numbers for your bank and your DD-214 for military service.

2. Use the online application form or the toll-free number, or make an appointment at your local Social Security office -- or all three. You can complete the online application form and take documents and information to the Social Security office for review. The Social Security Administration employee copies your original documents and returns them to you. You can also receive assistance with your disability benefits application at the local office or at the toll-free number.

3. Expect delays. The Social Security Administration checks your work history and certifies your eligibility from your work records. It forwards your claim to the disability determination service for your state. This service evaluates your medical claim and uses protocols to determine whether you meet the disability standards to receive Social Security disability benefits. The disability determination service returns the claim to the Social Security administration upon completion. This can take up to a year, depending on your medical condition and evaluations.

4. Anticipate an appeal. The Social Security Administration reports that 53 percent of disability claimants were denied Social Security disability benefits in 2009, the most current statistics available as of the time of publication. The final award rate averaged about 45 percent from 1999 to 2008. This figure includes benefits approved through reconsideration and appeal.

5. Develop an income source and an alternate plan. You can't survive without income and you can't work and still qualify for disability. Find a source of unearned income, such as investments. Alternatively, expect to live on your spouse's earnings or move in with a friend or relative. Create a long-term plan in the event Social Security denies your disability claim.

Tips & Warnings

• Find activities you can perform, and continue to be productive regardless of your disability.

• Remember that you are in the majority if Social Security denies your disability claim.

• Working may affect your right to collect Social Security disability, as the Social Security Administration considers earned income in excess of $1,000 as substantial gainful activity for 2011.

References

• Social Security Administration; Outcomes of Applications for Disability Benefits; 2009
• Social Security Administration: Disability Benefits
• Social Security Administration: Apply Online for Disability Benefits