Applying for Social Security Disability can be an overwhelming experience for first-time applicants, but it doesn’t have to be so complicated. Understanding the process can help avoid delays and problems and submit a stronger claim. When it comes to eligibility, medical evidence, and documentation, all of these make a huge difference in how your application proceeds. Ally Disability wants to make this as easy as possible for you, so we’re going to lay out a step-by-step guide to help you through it.
Determine If You Are Eligible
The first thing you’ll want to do before filling out your application is to figure out whether you are actually eligible. There are also different programs, making it more complex to figure out which program is right for you. There are two main programs you could be eligible for: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. SSDI is for individuals who have earned sufficient work credits through their employment, and SSI is for those with limited income and resources who meet the financial eligibility requirements. The Social Security Administration will determine whether you are eligible and which program you are eligible for, but understanding what your eligibility looks like will help you prepare for the process.
Gather Information You Need Before Applying
Before applying for any of these programs, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary information and documentation to make the process as easy as possible. Making sure you have the correct information can reduce the risk of delays and make the process smoother overall.
Employment History
One of the most important components to have ready is your employment history, as it will help determine your eligibility and the amount of assistance you are eligible for. The specifics you’ll need for this are the jobs you’ve held over the last 15 years and the job duties and physical demands you had to perform in those jobs. You will also need the exact dates of your employment.
Medical Information
You’ll need extensive medical information to provide for your eligibility. This will help explain your situation and give insights into the disabilities that you are dealing with. There are a few different things you’ll need for this:
- Medications you are taking
- Medical conditions and diagnosis
- Doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics you go to and visit
- Treatment history information
- Medical testing and records
Personal Information
You’ll need to provide personal and financial information to ensure you are eligible and that your information matches. You’ll need identification documents, banking information, military service information, and any other benefits that you might currently be receiving.
Decide How You Want to Apply
Applicants have various application options, so it’s best to choose the easiest one for you. You can apply online, by phone, in person, or with an attorney. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect with each of those methods:
- Online: You’ll be able to apply through the SSA website and complete the application from your home.
- Phone: You’ll have to schedule an appointment with the SSA and speak to a representative to apply.
- In Person: You’ll visit the Social Security office to apply. This may be helpful for complicated situations or if you have questions.
- Attorney: Working with an attorney is beneficial for a variety of different reasons. They can assist you with the application process, gathering the required medical evidence, communicating with SSA, and avoiding common mistakes.
Completing The Application
Finishing up the application should be done carefully to ensure everything is filled out accurately and completely. You should provide detailed information throughout the application to ensure that all of the details are there and that there is no need for extra information. The process can already be a bit longer, making the completion and detail of the application even more necessary. Having missing information or incomplete areas can make the review process take even longer, leading to delays and other issues.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
There are a few steps involved in submitting your application. Let’s go over what will happen after so you can get an idea of what to expect. First, the application will be reviewed and verified, and then you will get a decision on your eligibility. Following this, any additional examinations will be conducted before the final decision is issued. This process can vary in length, but overall it’s important to keep track of which step you are on, and it will also help you know when a decision is actually made.
What If Your Disability Claim is Denied?
Many people have had the experience of having their disability claim actually denied, leaving them confused about what their next steps should be. With a denial, there could be a variety of reasons for this decision. An appeal can help you navigate the process of figuring out why it was denied and how you can get approved. Working with a skilled law firm that is familiar with disability denials and the appeals process can help you walk through, step by step, what you need to do to get your approval, if possible.
At Ally Disability, we have a team of attorneys in the disability industry ready to help you through the entire process. Working with an attorney from our team can make the application process less overwhelming and help with any appeals.
Applying for Disability Without The Confusion
If you are looking to apply for disability and want to make sure you are moving in the right direction, working with one of our attorneys might be the right choice. We have a team of skilled attorneys who have dedicated themselves to helping those applying for disability. We understand the process and the details, and we can help through every step. So whether you are applying for the first time, need help with an appeal, or just want information, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today, and we will connect you with a member of our legal team!
