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Making a claim for Social
Security disability benefits begins with the
filing of an application with the Social
Security Administration. We strongly
recommend hiring an experienced Social
Security disability lawyer BEFORE filing an
application. If you say the wrong thing in
your application, or even if you say the
right thing in the wrong way, you may
permanently damage your chances of obtaining
benefits.
However, if you do decide to proceed on your
own, the Social Security Administration
makes the process fairly easy. You can
complete some or all of the forms online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability,
or you can call the Social Security
Administration's toll-free number,
1-800-772-1213, to schedule an appointment.
You can find the most convenient Social
Security office at
www.socialsecurity.gov/locator. People
who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the
toll-free "TTY" number, 1-800-325-0778,
Monday through Friday.
The following suggestions are adapted from
the Social Security Administration Web site:
If you are going to apply in person or by
phone, there are certain items of
information you should have with you.
However, you should keep your appointment,
even if you do not have all of the
information. The Social Security
Administration may be able to help you get
any missing information. This is what you
will need:
Names, addresses and phone numbers of all
doctors, therapists, hospitals, and clinics
who treated your illnesses, injuries, or
conditions, or who you expect to treat you
in the future.
Patient ID numbers and dates seen.
Names of medicines you are taking, dosages
taken, and dates taken.
Medical records in your possession.
Illnesses, injuries, or conditions
limiting your ability to work.
Date you became unable to work because of
your medical condition (month/day/year).
If applicable, Medical Assistance Number
(Medicaid or other).
An original or certified copy of your
birth certificate. If you were born in
another country, the Social Security
Administration will also need proof of U.S.
citizenship or legal residency.
If you were in the military service, the
original or certified copy of your military
discharge papers (Form DD 214) for all
periods of active duty.
If you worked, your W-2 Form from last
year; or if you were self-employed, your
federal income tax return (IRS 1040 and
Schedules C and SE.
Workers compensation information,
including date of injury, claim number and
proof of payment amounts.
Social Security Numbers for your spouse
and minor children.
Your checking or savings account number,
if you have one.
Name, address and phone number of a person
the Social Security Administration can
contact if they are unable to get in touch
with you.
Kinds of jobs and dates you worked in the
15 years before you became unable to work.
This is obviously a long and complex list of
items and information. However, you will
have a lot of time to get these materials
together.
Remember, the more information you can
provide to the Social Security
Administration, the less work they will have
to do in order to make a decision on your
claim. Remember also that Kraft & Associates
will be glad to consult with you at any
stage of your claim.
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