Social Security Disability Application | Everything You Should Know
June 22, 2017
Social Security disability benefits provide valuable financial support to those who are suffering from a disability and are unable to earn an income.
If you qualify to receive benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will need to know how to apply for these programs.
The Phillips Law Group’s Phoenix Social Security disability attorneys have helped numerous disabled individuals successfully apply for these programs. We will provide valuable assistance through the application process to help you receive the benefits you deserve.
When to Apply
The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that its application process can take three to five months to approve a candidate for benefits.
Because of this timeframe, you should apply for Social Security disability benefits as soon as you acquire a long-term disability that meets the SSA’s standards and is expected to last for more than one year.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Claimants who meet the qualifications to receive SSDI benefits can submit an application the day after they stop working because of their disability.
However, the SSA will not provide you with benefits until you have reached the sixth full month of your disability.
The waiting period begins with the first full month after the date the SSA decides your disability began.
Supplemental Security Income
Claimants can apply for SSI benefits the day after their monthly earnings fall below the current substantial gainful activity level ($1,170 for 2017).
The SSA will pay SSI disability benefits for the first full month after the date you file your claim or the date you become eligible for SSI benefits.
Where to Apply
The SSA provides several outlets for applicants to apply for Social Security disability benefits, including:
- Applying online through the SSA’s website
- Applying over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing
- Scheduling an appointment at the nearest SSA field office
If you apply online, you can stop partially through and save your application to complete it on a later date. Once you have completed the application, you should contact the nearest SSA office if you have any questions or concerns about the process.
Our attorneys are experienced in helping people apply for Social Security disability benefits and will be able to assist you throughout the application process.
Documents You Will Need to Support Your Claim
During the SSA’s application process, you will need to provide certain documents to prove you are qualified to receive Social Security disability benefits.
The SSA will require information and documents related to the following information:
- Your work history
- Your disability
- Your name, address and phone number
- Your Social Security number and proof of age
- The phone numbers of any doctors, caseworkers, hospitals and clinics that treated you
- The names and dosages of any medications you are taking
- Your most recent W-2 form or a copy of your federal tax return if you were self-employed
If you have family members who qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to provide their Social Security numbers and proof of age. If your spouse is applying for benefits, you will need to provide proof of marriage and dates of any prior marriages.
Disability Starter Kit
The SSA provides a Disability Starter Kit to help you prepare for the application process. This kit details the information and documents the SSA will ask for regarding your disability and the benefits you qualify for.
The Disability Starter Kit will also familiarize you with the SSA’s decision-making process, which may help increase your chances of receiving your benefits.
Our attorneys are experienced with the Social Security disability application process and will help you gather and organize all of the required documents and information.
Contact our Phoenix Social Security Disability Attorneys for a Free Consultation
The Social Security Disability application process can be intimidating and overwhelming, and many applicants are denied benefits on their first attempt.
Having our experienced attorneys on your side will be a helpful asset that can make this process much easier and improve your application’s chances of being approved.
Our attorneys can explain the process in detail during a free, no obligation consultation.
If we take your case, all of our work will be provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you only have to pay us if we help your claim get approved.
Complete our Free Case Evaluation formto schedule a free consultation.
Free Case Evaluation
Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
