How to Get Past Medical Records for a Social Security Disability Determination

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to individuals who have a sufficient work history and have been determined to be disabled by SSA. Disability is determined through review of medical records, records from school and previous employers, statements from those that are familiar with the disability, You may apply for disability benefits online or at your local SSA office.

Instructions

• 1

  Construct a list of all medical providers you have seen within the last 12 months. If you have seen other medical providers over a year ago that provided a significant amount of assessment and/or treatment specific to your disability, include them on your list as well. Obtain the name, address and phone number of each provider.

• 2

  Contact SSA via phone at 800-772-1213 or go to your local SSA office and provide the list of medical providers to SSA. Specifically state that this contact information is for the purpose of obtaining medical records for disability determination.

• 3

  Contact each medical provider to find out the process for obtaining copies of your medical records. You may have to set up an appointment to go to the office to review your medical records, pay per page for copies or comply with other provider-specific rules.

• 4

  Submit the medical records to your local SSA office via fax, by mail or in-person.