How to Apply for Social Security Disability

If you have a serious illness and are unable to work, you have the right to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Claimants can call the Social Security Office at (800) 772-1213. This national line is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can apply online here, or to make an appointment with your local Social Security office. Find your local office here.

Some tips for completing your application:

Gathering your medical records yourself could help kickstart your case. You can sign a form to allow SSA to obtain your medical records, but if you provide them at the time of application, you can save the disability examiner a lot of headache in trying to coordinate that, especially if you have a lot of medical providers for your condition.

Do not try to diminish your pain or other symptoms.  The more honest you can be about how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work, the better chance you have to be approved for benefits.

Always list all your medical conditions, whether they are physical or mental. A lot of times it is the combination of multiple illnesses that can be debilitating in different ways that help support your claim of disability.

With any luck, your application will be approved quickly, and you can focus on what’s important- your health!