How to File Social Security Disability in Idaho

Social Security can help if you become disabled.

Social Security Disability insurance covers people who can no longer work due to a disability. To qualify for Social Security Disability payments, you must have paid enough Social Security taxes during the years you were working. In addition, your medical disability must stop you from working for at least 12 months or your condition must be one that is expected to end in death. Your benefit amount is based on your total yearly income or self-employment income. Be sure to apply as soon as you become disabled because the process can take up to five months to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• DD-214 for any military service
• W-2 form
• 1040 form, if you are self-employed
• Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit
• Contact information for someone who can verify your medical disability
• Complete medical records
• Contact information for your last five jobs
• List of any Workers' Compensation insurance claims you have filed in the past

Instructions

1. Apply online at the Social Security website. Complete the Social Security Benefit application. A link to the online application is listed below under Resources. The application will ask you for information such as your name,date of birth, where you were born, your Social Security Number, yearly earnings, dates of military service and current employer.

2. Complete the Adult Disability Report online. A link to the Adult Disability Report is located below under Resources. The Adult Disability Report is concerned with your medical history, illnesses, injuries, medical tests performed, any workers compensation claims filed and your overall work history.

3. Fill out the Authorization to Disclose Information form. The form can be found on the Social Security website and listed below under Resources. This form authorizes Social Security to obtain all of your medical, work and education records that relate to your ability to work. You must mail or take the form to your local Social Security office. See Resources below for the Social Security office locator.

4. Receive approval for Disability benefits. Social Security will notify you when you are approved for Disability. Once approved, your first payment will be for the sixth full month after your disability occurred. For example, if you became disabled on January 1, 2010, your first benefit would be paid for the month of July 2010.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to file online, you may file by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778. You can also visit or call your local Social Security office.

• If you are not approved for Disability payments, you can file an appeal. Call 1-800-772-1213 to start the appeal process.

References

• Social Security: Apply For Disability

Resources

• Social Security Benefit Application
• Social Security Adult Disability Report
• Authorization to Disclose Information Form
• Social Security Office Locator