Social Security Disability Application: How Do I Get Started?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that can assist you financially if you suffer a disabling condition and are unable to work for a year or more. More than 8.9 million people have received disability benefits annually through the Social Security Disability program. The application for disability benefits through Social Security can be confusing and challenging. This guide will shed some light on eligibility and help you navigate the application process.

Who is Eligible for SSDI?

The Social Security Administration considers many factors when determining eligibility for disability benefits, including the severity of your medical condition, employment history, earnings, and your ability to engage in activities required for gainful employment.

In some cases, a child with disabilities may be eligible for benefits if the parent is receiving retirement or disability benefits from Social Security.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability

1. Get Your Documentation Together

You will need the following documents to assist you in completing the application:

• Personal information. Locate your Social Security number, birth certificate, citizenship proof (if born outside the US), marriage certificates, and other identifying information.
• Medical records. Get together physician reports, lab and imaging results, list of medications, and treatment plan documentation to support your medical condition.
• Employment history. Detail where you’ve worked in the last fifteen years, employment dates, title of your job, and what you did.
• Financial documents. Have statements from the bank, returns on filed taxes, and pay slips ready to complete the application.
• Monies and benefits already received (if any.) Such amounts could include worker’s compensation, settlement agreement amounts, etc.

2. Choose Your Method of Application

Form SSA-16 is the official application for social security disability benefits.

You can apply in various ways, including:

• Online. The Social Security Administration’s website is open 24/7.
• Call them at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday 8 AM and 7 PM.
• In-person. Use the Office Locator Tool, and schedule an appointment at the Social Security office nearest you.

Additionally, you may consider engaging the services of a disability attorney or a legal advocate to assist you with your application. 

3. Complete the Supporting ADR Report

You will be required to complete the SSA-3368-BK Adult Disability Report (ADR) which is part of the application. The purpose of the report is to determine how your condition affects you and your ability to work. It details the following:

• Education
• Work history, job requirements, and how your medical condition affects your ability to work,
• Medical information, medicines, and treatments
• Support Services, such as accommodations at work

4. Check the Status of your Application

Follow up regularly. It shows you’re serious and helps catch any hiccups early on. Here’s how:

• You applied online, so check your account online.
• Call the SSA’s helpline
• Visit your nearest branch

The review process can take 3-5 months on average. If the SSA experiences a backlog in your region or your state’s process is more complex, the processing time could be longer.

During that time, you may be requested to attend a consultation to evaluate your medical condition further. The consultation may further extend the application processing time.

Document every conversation you have with the SSA, noting who you spoke to, when, and what you discussed. Be sure to attend any consultations of medical exams promptly, if required.

5. Receive the SSA Decision

After the review process is complete, the SSA will issue their decision. You’ll receive official communication via mail stating the outcome of your application. If your claim is approved, the letter will provide important information about your benefit amount and the expected start date for your payments. If your application is denied, the reason(s) will be explained in the letter.

A denial can be due to mistakes or inadequate information in the initial application which can often be avoided through careful attention and comprehensive documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Mistakes can result in significant delays or a denial of your application. The most common mistakes and how to avoid them are detailed below.

Skipping Necessary Information in the Application

The SSA needs a comprehensive picture of your situation to decide whether to award benefits. Carefully examine each section on the application form to ensure that you’ve provided all requested information. Pay particular attention to medical and employment information.

Inadequate and incorrect information about your medical condition

Insufficient evidence that supports your medical condition is a primary reason for denial of your claim.  Be sure to detail medical diagnoses, lab test and imaging results, prescribed treatments, and medications.  List the contact details of all your health care providers.

Failure to Follow Medical Advice

Poor medical treatment adherence, missing medical appointments, or not following your physician’s advice to improve your condition could result in your claim being ineligible for benefits. Follow your treatment plan, as advised by your health care providers. Clearly document valid reasons for non-compliance in your application.

Incomplete Work History

An incomplete work history can make it difficult for the SSA to assess your past relevant work and current capabilities. Be sure to summarize your work history of the last 15 years, including jobs that were part-time or temporary.

Failure to Respond to Additional Requests

Delays in providing additional documentation or not attending medical consultations can be perceived as a refusal to cooperate. Keep a calendar with your application’s important dates. Set reminders well in advance of deadlines so that all your documents are passed on promptly and you don’t miss scheduled medical appointments. Check the status of your application often by accessing the SSA online portal or by calling your local office. Answer any request for more information promptly.

Underestimating the Importance of the Extent of Your Condition

Insufficient information about how your medical condition hinders you from completing the daily task requirements of your job can hinder the SSA’s ability to verify the extent of your condition. Specify how your medical condition affects your life and ability to work to ensure an accurate reflection of the extent of your condition.

Not seeking legal assistance when necessary

Some claimants tend to forget to consider professional legal advice on complex or denied cases. A Social Security disability attorney can provide valuable information and help increase your chances of going through the appeal process successfully.

What to Do if Your SSDI Application is Denied?

The denial letter from Social Security explains the reasons for denial and what to do next to get a determination revised. Read it carefully because it contains important information about your rights. You are entitled to a reconsideration or appeal of the initial SSA decision.

The process for appeal involves several stages as follows:

• Reconsideration of the disability benefit application. Within 60-days of the date of the denial letter, you may file a request for reconsideration.

• Hearing before an administrative law judge.

The appeal process can require significant additional documentation, additional filings or hearings that may be better handled by a legal professional specializing in disability claims. They can:

• Explain to you in detail why your application was denied
• Work with you to gather more evidence that will support your claim.
• Represent you at hearings
• Help you navigate the complex appeal process.

When you take the time to understand SSDI eligibility, the application process, and collect all required documentation, you can complete the disability application confidently and enhance your chances of being approved. In the event your claim is denied, gather additional evidence to address the reason your claim was denied and consider professional help to appeal the decision.