How to File Social Security Disability in Evansville, Indiana
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to individuals who have paid a sufficient amount in Social Security taxes during their lifetime to qualify for benefits. Because Social Security is a federally run program, the procedure for filing for Social Security Disability is the same in each state. If you reside in Evansville, Indiana, you can apply for disability benefits online at ssa.gov or at Evansville's local SSA office.
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Instructions
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1
Gather supporting documentation that you will need for the initial application. You will need at least a state-, federally- or military-issued photo identification card and your Social Security number. You also should bring the names, addresses and phone numbers for all medical providers you have accessed in the past 12 months and a list containing your educational and work history, including reasons why you are unable to perform the types of labor you have in the past.
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2
Go to the local SSA office at 1708 N. Spring Street to fill out and submit your initial application, or complete it online. You will need the information you gathered in step 1 for the application. You should receive a decision for your application within 45 to 90 days of the submission date. If the decision is unfavorable, proceed to step 3.
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3
Consider hiring an attorney who specializes Social Security disability cases. Social Security disability attorneys only can charge $6,000 or up to 25 percent of your back payment amount, whichever amount is less, and only can collect after the case is decided in your favor. There are attorneys in Evansville who specialize in Social Security disability.
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4
Submit form HA-501 "Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge" within 60 days of the date on the denial notice. This form requires entering your name and Social Security number on the top of the form. In section 5, state the reasons why you are unable to work. In section 7, check "I wish to appear at a hearing." Sign the form.
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5
Gather additional evidence for your appeal hearing, including medical records, employment or school records that provide evidence of your disability and statements from family, friends, previous co-workers and others individuals who are familiar with your disability and how it impacts your daily functioning and ability to work.
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6
Attend the appeal hearing. You will be allowed to present any additional evidence that you have. You also will be allowed to give testimony. When you give testimony, focus on how your disability makes it impossible for you to maintain gainful employment. You or your attorney will have the opportunity to cross-examine any of the SSA professionals. You should receive a decision by mail within 30 to 60 days after the hearing. If your decision is unfavorable, continue to step 7.
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7
Complete form HA-520 "Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order" and submit it within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. Continue to gather and submit supporting documentation. For this level of appeal, you will not attend a hearing--the SSA appeals council will review the evidence and make a new decision based off of existing and any new records. If you receive an unfavorable decision, proceed to step 8.
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8
Hire an attorney, if you have not already done so. For the final appeal, you must have an attorney. Your attorney must file a civil case against SSA in federal district court. The decision ordered at this hearing is final.
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