If you are disabled and can no longer work, you might need to draw on the Social Security Disability Insurance. You have been paying into this system all the years you have been working and now that you can no longer work, the system can pay you back. Don’t be intimidated by the process. Here’s what you need to know.

Who is Eligible?

  • Blind.
  • Disabled and will be out of work at least 12 months; automatically approved if condition is on the List of Impairments.
  • Children of blind and disabled.
  • Widow/er .
  • Adults disabled since childhood.
  • Typically, you must have worked enough in five of the past ten years to earn 20 work credits. Work credits are based on your income level and you can earn up to 4 per year. The requirement for the exact number of work credits changes annually so you must check before you apply.
  • Under 65 years of age. (Regular Social Security Insurance and Supplemental Social Security Insurance apply after age 65).
  • Curious about Social Security Disability and mental health? Click here.

You will need to complete an application; be interviewed by SSDI and perhaps see a physician and a psychiatrist.

Follow these steps to apply:

Contact the Social Security Administration

Contact the Social Security Administration and request that they send you a “Starter Kit”. This kit contains information you need to know before you start any application process. The kit includes:

• Factsheet
• Checklist
• Worksheet

Using these tools, you will be able to evaluate your eligibility for SSDI and prepare to apply.

NOTE: Many people choose to use the services of a law firm that specializes in SSDI when they apply initially. Others choose to use these services if they are denied and must appeal. There is a contingency fee charged if a lawyer is used. This fee is set by law and all firms must charge the same and it is not paid until SSDI is approved and received.

The Factsheet contains information about what the law defines as an eligible disability and questions about how to apply. It also contains a link to the online SSDI application.

The Checklist is in respect to the interview. If you file by mail or in person your interview will be in person or by phone. Use Checklist for Adult Disability Interview. If you file online use Checklist for Online Adult Disability Application. The checklist will inform you of the documentation you will need to support your disability claim.

The Worksheet will be used to prepare for your interview regardless of how you applied. The worksheet informs you of the types of questions you will be asked and allows you to make notes and document the information you will want to share.

This “Starter Kit” is a major tool to assist you in completing your application completely and correctly the first time so that hopefully you will not need to appeal. However, be aware that 80-90% of all disability applications are turned down on initial submission and must be appealed.

The Application Process

• Apply as soon as you become disabled as you must be off work 6 months before SSDI can be received. You must expect to be disabled at least 12 months and unable to do any gainful employment.
• Apply Online at https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib , by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local SSA office.
• Gather documents for your interview.

You will need:

  • Original or certified copy of birth certificate.
  • If born in another country provide proof of U.S. or legal residency.
  • If you were in the military, provide the original or certified copy of your military discharge papers.
  • Your W-2 form from last year, or if self-employed your federal tax return (IRS 1040 and Schedules C and SE).
  • Worker’s compensation history.
  • Social Security numbers of your spouse and children.
  • Your checking or savings account number.
  • Name, address, and phone number of someone who can get in touch with you.

If you forget anything, your checklist will remind you of the documents needed. Also, to fill out the Medical and Job Worksheet with the information needed for your interview you will need these documents.

  • Names, addresses, phone numbers of all doctors who treated your medical condition.
  • Dates you were seen by your doctor and/or dates you were treated at the hospital or clinic.
  • It is helpful to have your patient ID number from each place you have been treated.
  • Names of medications you are taking, the reason you are taking the medication, and what doctor prescribed the medication. Some representatives suggest bringing in the actual medication bottles, if applying in person.
  • What medical tests you have had. You will need to know where you were tested, the date of the test, and who ordered the test.
  • Have medical records in your possession.
  • The jobs and dates you worked in the 15 years before becoming disabled.

Now you are ready to apply whether online, on phone or in person. When applying on line you will complete the application as well as the Disability Report.

After you have done this the Social Security Administration will contact you for your interview or appointments with their physician and psychiatrist. After that it is simply a matter of waiting for a decision from the SSA.

If you are denied you will want to appeal immediately and have a hearing with an Administrative Judge.