You can apply for Social Security disability benefits online if you believe you meet the qualifying criteria to apply, you’re over 18, you don’t currently receive benefits, and you haven’t been denied SSDI benefits in the last 60 days. However, before you apply for SSDI benefits online, you do need to meet certain criteria including:
- You must be between the age of 18 and 65
- You must be unmarried and have never been married
- You must not be legally blind
- You must not have applied for or received SSI benefits prior to filing your application for SSDI
You can also apply for SSDI benefits through your local Social Security office. While a Social Security disability lawyer doesn’t guarantee your SSDI application will be accepted, hiring an SSD attorney during the application process can help to increase your chances of your application’s success.
What do I need to apply for SSDI benefits?
Whether you’re applying for SSDI benefits online or through your local Social Security office, you’ll need to provide the SSA with basic demographic information. This information includes your citizenship status, discharge status from the military if applicable, work history, current earnings and household income, household assets, your bank or financial institution, and a list of other benefits you may be receiving. In addition to this demographic information, you’ll also need to provide documents including your W-2s, pay stubs, and proof of citizenship.
Your medical records are the most important part of your SSDI application. The SSA will need to access any information about your condition from your treating physician. Only the medical information and records from licensed physicians will be accepted.
To make sure your medical records are thorough, it’s essential that you inform your doctor of all the symptoms you have related to your condition. Your doctor needs to fully document these symptoms and any treatments you undergo related to your condition. These medical records will give you the best possible chance of obtaining SSDI or SSI benefits.
Additionally, the SSA may ask you to undergo another medical evaluation with a doctor from the SSA during the application process or during the appeals process to confirm your condition and your symptoms.
The process of filing for Social Security disability benefits isn’t easy. Fortunately, you can improve your chances of your SSDI application getting approved by choosing to work with an SSD lawyer.
SSD lawyers don’t get paid until your application is approved and your attorney is paid only out of your past-due benefits, so you never have to worry about not being able to afford your lawyer. For more information on SSDI benefits and the application process, contact Ally Disability for free consultation today.