How to Get Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security benefits to individuals who are age 65 and older, suffer from certain disabilities or have end-stage kidney disease. Receiving benefits requires that a certain amount of Social Security taxes have been paid based on previous employment. Social Security disability benefits for individuals under age 65 requires submitting an application for benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security card or number
• List of medical providers, medications and diagnoses
• List of previous employers
• Internet access (if completing online application)
• Social Security disability attorney or other advocate (highly recommended)

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Go to your local SSA office or the SSA website to complete an initial application for Social Security benefits. This application requires entering in information regarding employment history, medical providers, exact medical diagnoses, medications, etc. You will need to have the name, address and phone number for all medical providers. More than 60 percent of initial applications are rejected, so if your application is rejected, go to the next step.

• 2

  Consider hiring an attorney who specializes in Social Security disability cases. Disability attorneys typically do not charge until the case is won. After the case is won, the disability attorney typically charges 15 percent to 25 percent of the back payment amount. A disability attorney cannot legally take more than 25 percent of the back payment amount.

• 3

  Complete a letter stating that you would like to appeal the denial for disability benefits. This letter must be completed within 60 days from the date on the denial letter.

• 4

  Gather medical records and other supporting documentation that shows why you are unable to work. Except for a few exceptions (i.e. being blind, having end-stage kidney disease), you will not receive disability benefits on the basis of your diagnosis alone. You have to demonstrate why the medical condition makes sustaining gainful employment impossible.

• 5

  Attend the disability appeal hearing. This appeal hearing consists of yourself and your representative (e.g. an attorney or advocate), a judge and other professionals (e.g. a vocational specialist, clinical psychologist, medical doctor and other licensed professionals). The professionals will provide an assessment based on medical history regarding your ability to obtain or maintain employment. You and your representative will also be able to call witnesses and submit further documentation. If you are denied benefits after this hearing, go to step 6.

• 6

  Submit an appeal letter if you receive an unfavorable decision after your appeal hearing. Your case will be reviewed by another judge and other professionals. You will not have a hearing to go to for this appeal. If you receive an unfavorable decision for this, go to step 7.

• 7

  Attend a hearing with a federal judge. You are not able to submit new evidence for this hearing, but you or your representative are able to argue your case based on previously submitted records.