After realizing you are disabled and cannot work, you have to think about applying for benefits. One source of benefits is Social Security Disability Insurance. If you are submitting an application for SSDI benefits, it’s important to know what documentation to provide.
The SSDI Application
You can apply for benefits at a local Social Security office or online. Either way, the Social Security Administration requires certain documents, including:
- Your birth certificate or other proof of birth;
- Proof of U. S. citizenship or lawful alien status;
- S. military discharge papers for military service occurring before 1968;
- W-2 forms for last year’s employment or tax returns if self-employed;
- A completed Adult Disability Report that provides information about your condition and your work history;
- Medical records you already have;
- Proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation or other work-related benefits.
Please note that some documents can be copies. However, other documents (like your birth certificate) must be originals. Still, if you are having trouble locating all your documents, talk to the Social Security Administration to see if they can help.
Other Information Needed
During the application process, the Social Security Administration will ask lots of questions. You may not have to provide documents to back up your answer. However, putting together the information before your interview may help you answer questions quickly and thoroughly.
Questions may include:
- Has anyone else has filed Social Security benefits on your behalf?
- Have you earned Social Security credits working under another country’s Social Security system?
- Do you expect to receive a pension or annuity based on employment with the United States federal government?
- What is your spouse’s legal name, date of birth or age, and Social Security number?
- When and where were you married?
- Have you received workers’ compensation, black lung or similar benefits? Do you expect to apply for them?
This is only a partial list. A list of potential questions can be found here.
Also, make sure you bring papers that show your bank account number and routing number. This information will be used to help you sign up for direct deposit.
Some Final Thoughts
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Much of their work involves Social Security disability cases. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
