Application for Disability Benefits: What to Expect

In order to get SSI or SSDI disability benefits, you obviously have to fill out an application. There are general basics you may be told about regarding the application process, but here is the information and procedures you should expect to provide and follow.

Starting the Application Process

In order to start the application process, you will need to call the Social Security office to either make an appointment to come to your local Social Security office to file a disability claim, or to have someone take your claim over the telephone. The claim interview is said to take about an hour so make sure you allot enough time to give all the information to the representative starting your claim.

Once an interview is scheduled, the Social Security office will send you a disability starter kit. The disability starter kit is an information package that allows you to prepare for your interview. There is one for adults and one for children. You can view both of them by going to the Social Security office website.

The Disability Starter Kit

There are 3 documents in the disability starter kit:

1. "What You Should Know Before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits/SSI Disability Benefits for Your Child"

This is a fact sheet that answers common questions about filing for disability benefits plus provides the definition of disability. On the child's version, there is information about the SSI program as well as state and local resources

2. Checklist "Adult/Child Disability Interview"

This is a checklist to make sure the information for an adult or child is available for either filling out the online application or completing the Social Security interview.

3. "Medical and Job Worksheet--Adult/Medical and School Worksheet--Child"

A Worksheet to help an adult or child prepare for the disability interview or fill out the Adult/Child Disability Report

Adults may apply for social security benefits online and fill out the Adult Disability Report. The Child Disability Report may also be filled out electronically. Having the information in each of these forms will make processing your disability claim easier and faster. Even if you do not have all the information, the Social Security office can help you get it.

Filling out an Online Application

Adults can fill out for benefits directly by using an online application. They will have to provide health information such as medical provider names, height, weight, work history, medications, etc. Not everyone can use this option but if you can, it is a faster way to get your claim into the system.

If you are unable to understand what something says on an application and need to know what impact a policy will have on your situation, you should retain a licensed attorney in your area who is experience in Social Security disability matters. If your claim is rejected and you want to appeal, it is a wise idea to retain legal counsel.