What Forms Do You Need To Apply For SSD Benefits?

Submitted by Deanna on

When disability affects any member of a family, the financial impact can be great. Social Security disability programs can provide monthly support, ensuring the entire family has what it needs to get by.

The documentation you need when applying for benefits depends on your personal situation and your family dynamic. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of documents and information you’ll want to pull together before starting your disability application:

 

Medical Records and Doctors’ Statements

 

You will need to give the Social Security Administration (SSA) many details about your medical history. This is easiest if you have as many of your medical records as possible at your fingertips when filling out your application.

A detailed statement from your doctor can be beneficial, but the application specifically asks for formal names of all your medical conditions, dates of diagnoses, medications and other treatments, and dates and locations of any tests, surgeries, or other procedures.

Work History and Education Records

The SSA reviews your employment history, job skills and duties, and your formal education as well as job training when determining eligibility for benefits.

Old pay stubs or other work documents can give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of former employers, and your old job titles and previous pay information. You’ll want to collect similar information about schools or training programs you attended in the past.

What materials will I need to file for disability benefits?

Contact Information for Doctors and Others

The disability application requires contact information for your primary care doctor, medical specialists, hospitals, clinics, and any other healthcare providers.

If you don’t have the addresses, phone numbers, and names of these medical professionals handy, you’ll need to track them down. Billing statements, appointment summaries, and other records from your doctors contain these details.

Without this contact information, it can be difficult for the SSA to retrieve your medical records.

You will also need to provide the SSA contact information on others who know about your daily life and the challenges you face because of your disability. These may be friends, family members, or a social worker. Have the names, addresses, and phone numbers of these people ready before applying.

Financial Records and Bank Statements

You’ll need records of your income and other financial details. This is especially true if you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits instead of, or in addition to, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Both of these disability programs require information on your financial situation, but SSI eligibility is largely based on economic circumstances.

Information on Your Children and Spouse

If you’re married or a parent and you’re applying for benefits for yourself, you’ll also need information on your spouse and children, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, and their living arrangements. This is because your husband or wife and your children may be able to receive dependent benefits.

Getting Help with Your Claim

Filing for disability can be confusing and intimidating. You do not have to go it alone though. You can have a friend, family member, social worker, Social Security advocate, or lawyer assist you throughout the process.

A lawyer, in particular, can be an invaluable resource. He or she can help you make a solid argument for disability and assist you in obtaining difficult to locate medical records and other documentation.

If you’re denied benefits initially, a lawyer can additionally help you file an appeal and can represent you before the administrative law judge that reviews your claim.

Additional Resources

Blog comments

Mille (not verified)

Where can I find the forms I

Where can I find the forms I need to fill out?

Sun, 07/03/2016 - 12:20 Permalink
Ralph Harden (not verified)

In reply to by Mille (not verified)

Have congestive heart failure

Have congestive heart failure and copd. O,ly 10 percent iname and output

Sat, 07/15/2017 - 15:31 Permalink
Lance from England (not verified)

My Wife Went out on Social

My Wife Went out on Social Security About 10 years ago, after working
all her life in the USA as a nurse with plenty of qualifications at the age of
54 years old. She had to stop work and be in a wheel chair, she is American
born and bred. Her money was always sent here. She is now very much worse, she tells me the The American Social Security has stopped her money dead because they do not send it here any more. My wife is very upset by this, Is this really able to happen.? Once she was awarded the sum of $1400 per month for the last 10 years.. I seems crazy. she will not let me talk to the American Social Security Please any advise

Tue, 08/16/2016 - 15:31 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Lance from England (not verified)

Hi Lance,

Hi Lance,
They may have done this because her eligibility would have changed. If she has reached full retirement age, she may not be eligible for SSDI benefits, however she may still be eligible for retirement benefits ( the amount would be the same). I would contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.ssa.go for more information.

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 15:02 Permalink
Sabrina Baker (not verified)

Can disability benefit be

Can disability benefit be collected for mental health issues?

Fri, 02/02/2018 - 23:56 Permalink
Lianna dreyfus (not verified)

In reply to by Sabrina Baker (not verified)

Absolutely. As mental health

Absolutely. As mental health affects our ability to work, both how long and how well, it is covered. Ask your psychiatrist or therapist if they have experience writing support documentation, and to let them know of this possibility. Apply as soon as you leave work.

Wed, 04/29/2020 - 12:06 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Lianna dreyfus (not verified)

Hi Lianna,

Hi Lianna,

Great points! You should also consult with your psychiatrist, therapist or doctor and go over the SSA's Blue Book. There is a whole section on mental health. You'll want to make sure you meet one of the listings.

Fri, 05/01/2020 - 15:23 Permalink
Mister (not verified)

Why do you need spousal

Why do you need spousal information, if perhaps this is just for me?

Wed, 02/14/2018 - 09:59 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Mister (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

If you are applying for SSI, it's based on income and they consider your spouse's income as apart of your own when applying.

Wed, 02/14/2018 - 16:57 Permalink
Ana (not verified)

On going on bed rest cause im

On going on bed rest cause im high risk pregnancy what paper work do i need from my job to take to the doctor to fill out ?

Wed, 02/21/2018 - 10:49 Permalink
leeanne (not verified)

hello I am woundring if I

hello I am woundring if I can get money benefits with vritgo and blabber

Wed, 07/17/2019 - 08:02 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by leeanne (not verified)

Hi Leeanne,

Hi Leeanne,

It depends on the severity of the conditions you are experiencing. I'd suggest going over the Blue Book with your doctor to see if you meet a listings qualifications!

Thu, 07/18/2019 - 16:18 Permalink

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