The Best Way to Get Disability
The Social Security system in the United States provides disability insurance payments and Medicare benefits to eligible U.S. citizens that have a qualifying disability and are unable to work. People applying for disability benefits have several options for applying and receiving benefits. Benefits can be applied for online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security administration administration office. No matter how the application is done, it's critical to be prepared and have all documentation ready to help expedite the application process and increase your chance of approval.Things You'll Need
- Necessary documentation (see Resources)
- Identification
- Doctor's certification
- Medical records
Instructions
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Visit a doctor
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Schedule an appointment with a doctor; the doctor who made the original diagnosis would be ideal. Medical certification is required when applying for disability benefits.
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Visit the Social Security website and print a copy of form SSA-827 and SSA-3368 (see Resources). These are the forms that the doctor will need to fill out that specify your disabling condition.
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Go to the scheduled appointment and ask the doctor to fill out the two forms. If necessary, arrange a time to return when the forms are complete, or ask to have the finished forms mailed to you.
Make Copies of Important Records
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Locate and make a copy of an original birth certificate or naturalization papers. Make several copies and keep a few extra on hand, just in case more than one copy is ever needed during the application process or a copy is lost.
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Make copies of discharge information for any period of active duty in the military (form DD 214).
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Make a copy of a canceled check if direct deposit is preferred over receiving monthly checks. The account number and routing number will be needed to set up direct deposit; both pieces of information are printed on a check.
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Locate and copy your previous year's W-2 form and tax return information.
Apply for Benefits in Person
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Look up the location of the nearest Social Security office (see Resources).
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Call the office to find out when it accepts disability applicants, as it may only accept applications during certain hours or by appointments.
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Make an appointment to apply for benefits or visit the Social Security office during the hours that applications are accepted. If necessary, arrange transportation and assistance from a friend or family member. Make sure to bring all of your necessary information.
Apply Over the Phone
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Call 1-800-772-1213 to apply for benefits over the phone.
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Set up a time for someone to call back and take your application over the phone.
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Take all of your documentation and materials, along with some blank paper and a pen, to a quiet location with a telephone. Be prepared for the appointment one hour before the scheduled phone call. After the telephone call is finished, copies of the documents may be required to be mailed, faxed or hand-delivered to the local Social Security Office.
Apply Online
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Bring all documentation and materials to a computer with Internet access. Set aside an hour or two for the online application process.
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Go to the Social Security online Benefit Application page (see Resources).
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Click on the button to begin or continue an application for disability benefits. The online application process is only available during certain business hours, check the website in advance for the current hours, (see Resources). The application data is saved after each step. The entire application does not have to be finished in one sitting and can be completed in a future session, if necessary.
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Complete the application. Most people will be able to fully complete the process online, however some may have to speak with a case worker, or provide additional documentation, or schedule a meeting in person. If additional information is requested in person, it will be asked for at the end of the online application.
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