Applying For Disability


by Steve1 Fields1 - Date: 2009-07-25 - Word Count: 416 Share This!

Adults can apply for Social Security Disability benefits one of three ways:

(1) online;

(2) by phone; or

(3) in person.

Applying online for disability benefits can be the easiest way for adults who have internet access and computer knowledge. The application is located at www.ssa.gov. Simply click on "Applying for Disability Benefits" to begin. If you would like someone to assist you with your online application, that is permitted. The person can also complete the application without your presence, and when it is complete, a representative from the Social Security Administration will contact you to confirm your application.

Applicants who wish to apply by phone can call 1-800-772-1213. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. Representatives are staffed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Persons who wish to apply for disability benefits in person should visit their local Social Security Administration office. The closest Social Security office can be found by entering your zip code at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp. Most Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Persons applying in person will likely wait in a long line. For this reason, the recommended way to apply is online.

Two forms must be submitted to complete an application for disability benefits: an Application for Social Security Benefits and a Disability Report - Adult. These forms can be completed online through the Social Security's website. Before attempting to complete these forms, it helps to have all of the information ready. Most of the information you will need involves your medical information and work history, including the following:

Medical Information:

1. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals and clinics;

2. Patient ID number, if you have one;

3. Dates seen;

4. Names of medicines you are taking and the name and address of the doctor who prescribed them; and

5. Medical tests, including the type of test, location of test, and which doctor sent you for the test.

Work History

1. Kinds of jobs you worked in the 15 years before you became unable to work;

2. Dates of employment; and

3. Description of your work duties.

After your application is submitted, either online, over the phone, or in person, you will have to submit a signed medical authorization for the Social Security Administration to obtain your medical records. Once obtained, a disability examiner and medical doctor review them to confirm your disabilities.

It generally takes between four and five months to receive a decision on an Application for Disability Benefits.

Related Tags: social security disability, minnesota disability benefits, minnesota ssdi benefits, minnesota ssi benefits

Steve Fields is author of this article on Minnesota disability benefits. Find more information about Minnesota ssdi benefits here.

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