It easy to apply for disability benefits online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The process is different for adults and for children.
It may take time to collect all the information you need to apply for disability benefits. Because you may lose benefits if you hold your application until you have all the information, you should submit the application with the documents you have. You can add the missing documents later.
Applying for Adult Benefits
Adults (age 18 or above) must complete both an application for Social Security Disability Benefits and an Adult Disability Report. The Adult Disability Starter Kit answers frequently asked questions about how to apply for benefits. It also has a worksheet that helps applicants collect the required information.
You will need the following information to complete the application.
- Date and place of birth;
- Social security number;
- Amount of money earned last year and this year. If you are filing in September, October, November, or December you will also need an estimate of your earnings for the following year;
- The name and address of each employer for this year and last year;
- The beginning and end dates of active military service before 1968;
- The name, date of birth or age, and Social Security number of your current and any former spouse;
- The dates and locations of any marriage and dates of any divorce or death of spouse;
- Your Social Security Statement, which is a record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes during your lifetime and your estimated benefits;
- Information about other benefits you intend to file for; and
- The Adult Disability Report, which collects more detailed information about your medical condition and work history.
You may also be asked for additional information.
Applying for Benefits for a Child
If you are a child or are completing an application for a child, you must complete an Application for Supplemental Security Income and a Child Disability Report. Only the Child Disability Report can be completed online. You must contact Social Security (1-800-772-1213) to complete the Application.
The online Child Disability Report provides detailed instructions for completing the report and a process for collecting the required information. If you prefer, you can go to your local Social Security Office to complete the Report.
How to Apply
To apply for benefits online, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/info/isba/disability/. You can call your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213 for help and more information.
If you need help filing, or would like the advice of professionals assisting you with your case then consider hiring a disability law attorney familiar with Social Security disability. Typically, disability lawyers only earn a fee if you win benefits, and their fee is taken out of the back award and paid directly by Social Security.
