There are three ways to submit an application for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits:
1) You can apply in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to have an appointment, so you should call ahead and tell them that you want to schedule an appointment to apply for disability benefits.
2) You can apply over the phone. Again, you will need to call and schedule an appointment and your local Social Security office will set up a phone interview with you.
3) You can apply on the internet at http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/.
If you are applying on your own I would suggest that you choose option number 2 and apply over the phone. The main reason I say that is because on every application there is a section where the Social Security claims processor can make observations about the claimant. If you are applying over the phone, the claims processor is not able to observe you and as a result will not make “observations” about you that might hurt your case. In the long run, this may not be a big deal but anything you can do to avoid bad information getting into your file is a good idea.
There is also nothing wrong with applying on the internet. However, keep in mind that it takes a considerable amount of time and you must be very thorough. The online application gives you the opportunity to log out and save your information so you can complete it at your own pace and in several different sittings if you so desire. You will not be able to apply for SSI benefits online so you will have to do that either in person or on the phone. Stay tuned for further blogs describing the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
No matter how you apply, you must have the information listed below to complete an application:
1) Medical information including name, address, and phone number of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have been to.
2) An original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
3) If you were in the military service, the original or certified copy of your military discharge papers for all periods of active duty.
4) If you worked, your W-2 Form from last year, or if you were self-employed, your federal income tax return.
5) Workers Compensation information including proof of payment amounts.
6) Social Security Numbers for your spouse and minor children.
7) Your checking or savings account number, if you have one.
8) Name, address, and phone number of a person Social Security can contact if they are unable to get in touch with you.
9) Kinds of jobs and dates you worked in the 15 years before you became unable to work.
In some instances I do take cases at the initial application level. If you are looking for a New Mexico Social Security disability attorney give us a call and we can help you work through the difficult Social Security disability process.
Tags: Attorney, disability, new mexico, Social Security
