Best Way to Get Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits for some people that cannot work due to a physical or mental disability. To get Social Security disability, you must prove that your disability prevents you from working. You must meet other criteria as well; for instance, you must have worked a certain number of years in the past and paid into Social Security. You can contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 to request a current statement indicating whether or not you might qualify for SSDI and how much you could receive each month.

Step One

Talk to your health care providers about whether or not you might qualify for Social Security disability. To qualify, your disability must prevent you from working and your health care providers must expect your condition to last for at least one year or to result in death. See the link in the Resource section to read the exact criteria the Social Security Administration will use to decide if you are disabled by your condition.

Step Two

Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance as soon as you think you might be unable to return to the workplace for at least one full year. It takes several months or more for the Social Security Administration to process disability applications so apply as soon as possible. If you later come to realize you don't need the assistance after all, you can easily cancel your application.

Step Three

Begin your application for Social Security disability online here http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ or visit your local Social Security Administration office to begin your application. Complete the application and provide all requested information as quickly as possible.

Step Four

Request copies of your medical records from all health care providers that have ever treated you for your disabling condition and send copies of your records to the Social Security Administration. They will ask you for permission to request copies of your records but may not get copies of everything and may not do it as quickly as you can.

Step Five

Consult with an attorney that specializes in Social Security disability law at any time if you feel you need assistance or expert advice. You may find an attorney especially helpful if your claim is initially denied and you have to appeal, though you are not required to hire an attorney at any point in the process.

Sources:

Social Security Administration. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. Disability Benefits.

Disability Secrets. http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/tip2.html. Gathering Records.