When you’ve recently become disabled and can no longer work to make ends meet, you may be eligible for financial assistance through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Unfortunately, navigating the claims process for this federal program is a challenging feat. You may need several documents for your claim to move forward with the Social Security Administration (SSA), and it is essential to know what they are and have them ready before you apply. That way, with the assistance of a Social Security Disability attorney, you ensure your best chance at approval as quickly as possible.
Information You Need to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
As you embark on the application process for benefits, prepare to share the following information to the SSA:
Details about yourself, including:
- Your date and place of birth and Social Security number.
- The name, Social Security number, and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death (if appropriate).
- Names and dates of birth of children not yet 18 years of age.
- Your bank or other financial institution’s Routing Transit Number and the account number.
Your work history, including:
- The amount of money earned last year and this year.
- The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year.
- The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service you had before 1968.
- A list of the jobs (up to five) that you had in the 15 years before you became unable to work and the dates you worked at those jobs.
- Information about any workers’ compensation, black lung, and similar benefits you filed, or intend to file for. These benefits can be temporary or permanent.
- Annuities and lump sum payments that you received in the past.
- Benefits paid by your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier, private agencies, or federal, state, or other government or public agencies (this includes Workers’ Compensation. Black Lung Benefits. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation. Civil Service (Disability) Retirement. Federal Employees’ Retirement. Federal Employees’ Compensation. State or local government disability insurance benefits. Disability benefits from the military.
Your condition, including:
- Name, address, and phone number of someone we can contact who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your application.
- Detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries, or conditions:
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics.
- Names of medicines, the amount you are taking, and who prescribed them.
- Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who ordered them.
Documents Needed for Your Social Security Disability Claim
According to the SSA, here are the primary documents, forms, and other materials you may need to apply for SSDI:
- Your birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status
- U.S. military discharge papers if you had military service before 1968
- W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns from the last year
- An Adult Disability Report containing details about your condition and work history
- Medical evidence of your disability, such as medical records, doctor’s reports, and recent test results
- Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements, or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits you’ve received
The SSA accepts photocopies of documents such as medical records, W-2s, and self-employment tax returns. However, you must provide the original copy of most other documents, such as your birth certificate – the agency will return it to you.
Missing Documents? Do Not Delay Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Even if you still need to get all the required documents to apply for benefits, the SSA still suggests that you do not delay your application and that it will provide assistance. However, it is best not to leave your incomplete application to the SSA. Instead, hire a trustworthy Social Security Disability attorney who will use their skill and experience to build your most robust and most promising disability case and leave no stone unturned in your claims process.
At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we will compile and organize all documents and files included in your case and cover the entire claims process from start to finish. With our individualized, results-oriented approach to your application, you can rest assured that you are getting your best chance at approval.
Don’t Face the SSA Alone – Contact Us Today
Applying for SSDI can be a daunting, discouraging process, with most applications initially denied by the SSA. Fortunately, you don’t have to face the SSA alone. With the disability lawyers at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll in your corner, you will have an attorney and an advocate who will face the SSA to ensure and secure the help you deserve. No case is too tough for us, so speak with us for free today – we won’t get paid until you do.
Contact us today by submitting the form below or calling our office at 503-255-9092 for a free case evaluation.