How to Apply for Social Security Disability: A Comprehensive Guide
Want to know how to apply for Social Security disability? If you have a medical or psychological condition and are not able to work because of it, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Additionally, individuals with disabilities or limited income, including children with disabilities, may be eligible for supplemental security income (SSI), which provides financial support to meet basic needs. If you’re thinking of applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you can start the application process online at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/, by phone, by mail, or by visiting the nearest Social Security office. In some situations, the Ritchie Law Firm may be able to assist you with filing your claim.
Disability Benefits: Information You Will Need
During the application process, whether you are applying online, in person, or over the phone, there is certain information you will need to provide the Social Security Administration. That information includes:
- Date and place of birth (especially if you were born outside the U.S.)
- Dates of marriage and divorces
- Names and dates of birth of children
- U.S. military service — type of duty and branch, service period dates
- Work history: names of Employers for the current year and the last 2 years
- Self-employment work history details for current year and the last 2 years
- Direct deposit information (where benefits should be deposited) — Routing number, account number
- Additional contact person — this should be someone who knows about your medical conditions
- A list of all your medical conditions
- Detailed information about your doctors and other health care professionals — names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of treatment
- Names and dosages of all medications you take and who prescribed them
- Income details, including sources and amounts, as this is crucial for determining eligibility for benefits
- Age, as eligibility criteria may vary based on whether you are under or over 18
- Your job history — for example, what was the date your medical condition began to affect your ability to work?
To Apply Online
Before you start the online application, make sure you are eligible for SSDI by reviewing the eligibility criteria on the SSA website. Additionally, check if you are eligible for SSI by reviewing the criteria on the SSA website.
To apply for Social Security Disability benefits online, go to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ and click the blue “Apply For Disability” button in the center of the page. You will now be taken to the Benefits and Applications Terms of Service page. At the bottom of this page, click the box beside “I understand and agree to the above statements” and then click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page.
The next page is entitled Apply for Benefits — Apply Online for Disability Benefits. After making sure that you have all the documents and other information you will need for your application, click “Start A New Application” if you are filing a new application and don’t have any unfinished applications. After starting a new application, choose whether you are applying for yourself or helping someone else. Next, you will need to create a “My Social Security Account.”
After selecting whether you currently have a “My Social Security Account” and selecting whether you have a U.S. address, you will be instructed to set up your “My Social Security Account” if you don’t already have one. Click “I Agree To Terms Of Service” at the bottom of the page. Then, you will begin to enter your information on the “Tell Us Who You Are” page.
To Apply By Phone
If you prefer to apply by phone, you can call 1 800-772-1213 and the representatives at the Social Security Administration will set up an appointment to take your application information over the phone. In addition to assisting with your Social Security disability insurance application, the representatives can also help you determine if you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income SSI benefits based on whether you currently have any income and your financial situation. Refer to the list below for information needed to complete the application questions.
To Apply in Person
Disability applicants can call 1 800-772-1213, to schedule an appointment in person or by phone for help applying for disability.
What Makes Ritchie Law Firm Different?
Many Virginia lawyers say they practice Social Security Disability law. But, most of those lawyers have not had years of experience winning SSDI benefits. That’s what makes us different. At the Ritchie Law Firm, we have a team of lawyers who have the experience of handling Social Security Disability cases and WINNING. Sure, we also handle personal injury cases. But, Social Security Disability cases are a different beast. And, we know how to WIN!
Our team has extensive experience handling Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cases, ensuring that you receive the benefits you deserve. We ensure that our clients receive their payments on time and address any delays promptly.
If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, our disability team will review your denial letter for FREE. Then, with no obligation and NO STRINGS ATTACHED, we’ll tell you our game plan for winning your case.
If you want your disability case handled by a team of lawyers trained to handle this difficult area of the law that few lawyers know the first thing about, your search is over. Whatever stage of applying for benefits you are in, whether you haven’t yet applied or you’ve been denied, we are happy to help. Click here to give us some details about your case.
