Filing Social Security Disability Forms

• SSA-16-BK, Application for Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI only)
• SSA-8000-BK, Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI only)
• SSA-3368-BK, Adult Disability Report 
• SSA-3369-BK, Work History Report
• SSA-827-BK, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration

If you don't get the forms directly from your local Social Security office or from a disability attorney who will be helping you file for your benefits, make sure you are using a current version of the form. Each form should have a revision date in the bottom left-hand corner. If the revision date is not within the last year or two, or if you are unsure that you have the correct form, contact your local Social Security office. Forms should be completed using either black or blue ink, and if you are printing the information on the forms by hand, take care to make sure your form is neat and legible. If you file online, you don't have to worry about this (online filing is available only for Social Security Disability benefits, not SSI benefits.)

You may have a friend or family member assist you in completing the forms, but make sure that all of the questions are answered as if the person applying for the disability benefits was answering the questions. Note that the Adult Disability Report form is not to be completed by your doctor.

You should be aware that completing Form SSA-827 will give the SSA the right to retrieve all pertinent medical and educational records that may support or deny the validity of your claim for disability benefits. This is a blanket authorization that will help examiners evaluate whether or not you still have the ability to perform job-related tasks given your current medical condition. If you file online for SSDI, you can either print out and send this form in or sign it electronically.

Also, if you file for online, you'll fill out the Work History Report as part of Form SSA-3368-BK, Adult Disability Report.  For information on filing online, see our article on how to file for disability or straight to the SSA's online application page.