How to Collect Disability Insurance

If you are unable to work because of disabilities, you may be entitled to receive monthly disability payments. These payments come in the form of a check that will be mailed straight to your home. The amount of the payments will vary from case-to-case, but the sum is enough for a person's everyday expenses, including food, shelter and clothing. If you were injured on the job, you will receive aid from the federal government, known as Social Security Disability Insurance. If you were born with a disability, you will receive aid from the local government, known as Supplemental Security Income.

Things You'll Need

• Birth certificate
• Social security card

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill out the information at the Social Security Benefits Tool website in the Resources section. This website is not an application for disability benefits, but it will give you an idea of what you are eligible for. You will not be asked to provide any personal information which could be used to identify you. To start the assessment, click on the red "Start Here" button. Once the page loads, fully fill out the survey to the best of your ability in order to receive a correct assessment.

• 2

  Read through the information located on the Benefits for People with Disabilities website, linked in the Resources section. This website should provide insight on what your rights are as a disabled citizen. One notable section on this website is the "Disability Starter Kit," located on the left-hand side of the page. This kit will provide answers for some of the most frequently asked questions that people apply for disability insurance may have. If you would rather have this information mailed to you, request a kit by calling 1-800-772-1213.

• 3

  Fill out an application for disability insurance. This can either be done online or through an interviewer. If you wish to schedule an appointment either in person or via phone, call 1-800-772-1213. Note that it will take a week or two, in most cases, before your interview will take place. If you'd rather, applying online is an instant process and does not require a wait period before you are interviewed. Before you either fill out an online application or attend your interview, you will need to gather a few vital pieces of information. Make sure to have your birth certificate, medical history, social security card and work history ready.