- 1). Gather your personal information. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, physical address, and phone number. You may also be asked to furnish your Social Security card, birth certificate, and photo identification when you complete your interview.
- 2). Organize your medical records and information regarding your disability. Records demonstrating your initial diagnosis and the date you were first diagnosed, your treatment, prescription medication, surgery and physical therapy reports (if applicable) should be copied and attached to you're application. The SSA office will need to review your records, treatment, and diagnoses when you apply for disability to determine whether or not you qualify.
- 3). Obtain your primary physician's full name, telephone number, and the address for his practice. If you have more than one primary physician, or you are being treated concurrently for the same or multiple disabilities, you will need this information from each physician.
- 4). Request an application for Social Security Benefits and an Adult Disability Report by contacting the SSA by telephone at (800) 772-1213 (TTY: (800)-325-0778) and asking for one to be mailed to you, or pick one up the local Social Security office in the county where you reside. You can also print a disability application online by visiting the SSA's website. Note: If you have never worked before, do not complete an application for Social Security Benefits.
- 5). Complete the application for Social Security Benefits. Fill in your personal information, information about your employment (if you currently work), other income you receive, bank account balances, and any other resources you have access to. Be as accurate as possible, because you will need to provide
- 6). Complete the Adult Disability Report. Provide information about your disability, your diagnosis, the onset date, treatment, and any prescription medications you are currently taking. You will also need to provide the information for your physician(s) that you previously organized. Sign the bottom of the report to give the SSA permission to contact your doctor to discuss your disability and treatment.
- 7). Submit your application for Social Security Benefits and/or the Adult Disability Report by mail, or return it to your county Social Security office.
- 8). Schedule an interview with your county Social Security office. While you can complete some of the interview by telephone, you will need to go to the office in person to finish the rest. If someone is helping you complete your application, you will need to go with them to the interview.
- 9). Wait for approval or denial. After completing the interview, it can take up to a few months to receive an answer to your application. If you are approved, benefits will become effective immediately. If you are denied, the SSA will give you the exact reasons for the denial. You have the right to appeal to denial, and you may hire an attorney to help you appeal. You can also apply for disability again at a later date.
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