Applying for Social Security Dis ability benefits can be a difficult task. Most people who are filing for dis ability benefits have questions about the application process. What questions will I be asked? What information will I need to have in order to apply? Fortunately, the Social Security Administration makes the process a bit simpler by providing applicants with an application checklist which can be downloaded from their website. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can also get a copy of this checklist from your local Social Security office.
According to the Social Security Administration’s website, there are three main areas that are the focus of a dis ability application: Information about you as the applicant, Information about your medical condition, and Information about your work. Gathering the most you can about these three areas will help the Social Security Administration process your application more efficiently. Below is a detailed list provided by the Social Security Administration containing the information you will be asked for during the dis ability application process:
Information About You
- 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 your minor children
- Your bank or other financial institution’s Routing Transit Number and the account number, if you want the benefits electronically deposited
Information About Your Medical Condition
- 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 you are taking and who prescribed them; and
- Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them.
Information About Your Work
- The amount of money earned last year and this year
- The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year
- A copy of your Social Security Statement
- The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service you had before 1968
- A list of the jobs (up to 5) 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/or similar benefits you filed, or intend to file for, whether they be temporary or permanent in nature, were paid out as annuities or as lump sum payments, and whether they were paid by your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier, private agencies, or Federal, State or other government or public agencies
After your application has been filed, you can expect at least a three to four month waiting period before a decision will be made in your case. During that time, if you move, return to work or experience substantial changes in your health, you should contact your local Social Security office to report those changes.
If you have further questions about Social Security Dis ability benefits, contact the law firm of Wilhelm & Roemersma to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.
The foregoing is intended to be a general discussion of the law and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. If you have a specific question, please contact our office to speak with an attorney.