Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits help millions of people cover income lost because a medical condition prevents them from working. As with most government programs, people must apply and qualify before receiving benefits. In addition to your SSDI application, you may need to provide copies of several documents to support your claim.
Applying for SSDI
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the SSDI program. You can apply for SSDI online, by calling a toll-free number, or in-person at a local Social Security Office. Forms are available online, along with a Disability Starter kit. At some point, an SSA caseworker will set up an interview to get more information. It’s at this point you’ll need to take documents to support your claim.
SSA Checklists
Some of the documents may need to provide are listed on the Checklist – Adult Disability Interview:
- Medical records already in your possession.
- Workers’ compensation documents, if any.
- Your checking or savings account number, including the bank’s routing number. (This is for direct deposit.)
- Contact information for someone the SSA can contact if you are unavailable.
- Medical Release Form SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration) if one was provided to you.
- The Medical and Job Worksheet – Adult, if you are not able to file online.
For in-person interviews, bring the documents, forms, and checklists with you. If you participate in a telephone interview, just have the materials handy for easy reference.
You will need to provide other information to the SSA:
- Names and birthdates for your spouse and underage children.
- Dates of any marriages or divorces.
- Contact information for medical providers.
- A list of medications with doses.
- A summary of your work history.
- Your most recent W-2 form.
- If self-employed, your most recent federal tax return.
- Social security numbers and proof of age for other family members who may qualify for benefits.
- Proof of marriage.
Most of the documents you will give the SSA need to be originals or certified copies. The SSA will copy your original materials and return them to you.
Your SSDI Application Could Be Easier to Complete
You just need to have someone helping you who understands Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Talk to an attorney about your eligibility for disability benefits. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ legal experience, much of it involving Social Security Disability Insurance claims. They can help you with your application and any appeals that might be needed.
Call us at 714-385-8100 for a free consultation. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
