The Basic Elements of a Social Security Disability Claim

Applying for Social Security Disability can be intimidating. Inevitably, you will hear "horror stories" of your neighbors and relatives being rejected and having to re-apply. A little bit of preparation can save you time and headaches. Following is an overview of the application and information you should collect ahead of time. There is a written application that you must complete and return to the Social Security Administration. A few weeks after they have received your completed application, you will be called for an in-person interview at your local Social Security office. Always remember that your goal is to convince evaluators that your condition is making you unable to work or limiting your ability to do the work that you were doing before you became sick or disabled.

The application has three parts: About You, Medical History, Work and Educational Experience [if applicable].

Documentation You Should Collect and Have on Hand

Social Security card.

Birth or baptismal certificate [must be original, or a certified copy], and [if not born in the U.S.], proof of residency or naturalization papers.

All medical records pertaining to the condition which you are claiming has disabled you and made you unable to work.

All lab reports and tests, dates taken, and results.

Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all professionals consulted: doctors, therapists, caseworkers, hospitals and clinics.

A list of all medications you take, dosage, and the reason you take it. Include prescription and non-prescription drugs.

A list of all the places you have worked in the last 15 years: job title, company name, type of company, starting and ending dates, salary, and duties of the job.

A copy of your most recent W-2 form [wage and tax report form IRS1040 and Schedules C and SE] or, if you are self-employed, your federal tax return from the previous year.

U.S. Military Discharge papers, [form DD214] for all periods of active duty.

The name, address, and telephone number[s] of someone [friend, coworker], who is familiar with your condition.

Savings and checking account numbers, and bank names.

Social security numbers of spouse and minor children.

The Application

About You

Social security number.
Name.
Address [including zip code].
Telephone number [home and cell number, if applicable].
Contact information for someone who can be reached in case you can't.
A statement of your medical condition and how it makes you unable to work at your former job.

Medical History

Here is where you will list:

Visits to medical professionals, hospitals, clinics, therapists.

Dates you saw professionals, addresses, phone numbers, and patient ID number.

Diagnostic tests, with dates.

Medications [prescription and non-prescription] -- dosage, purpose of medication .

Work History

You will need to list every job you have held in the 15 years before you stopped working due to your disability, including:

Job title.

Name of company or institution.

Starting and ending dates.

Work duties.

You should submit any documentation that supports your case. You need to prove that you are unable to perform the duties of the job you had before becoming sick or disabled. This will help get your application approved the first time. Also, have everything with you whether you go in person to your local office, or do an interview by telephone.