- 1). Speak with your primary care physician. Your primary care physician will be asked to provide signed documentation stating your disability to support your claim. Specialists, such as a rheumatologist, may also be required to attest to your disability in writing.
- 2). Fill out a Disability Benefit Application at a local Social Security Office or online at the Social Security Administration website. Documentation that you will need to fill out the application includes a military discharge form if you served in any branch, W-2 forms or self-employment schedules from last year's taxes, your social security number and those of any dependents, checking account number, worker's compensation claim information and birth certificate.
- 3). Fill out an Adult Disability Report. This form may also be filled out at a local Social Security office or online. Items you will need while completing this application include the addresses and phone numbers of your last five employers, your medical history as it pertains to your disability and any prescription medications you are taking.
- 4). Sign an Authorization to Disclose Information form, which is available on the Social Security Administration website or at its local office. Place this form with the Disability Benefit Application and the Adult Disability Report. Submit these forms together, either in person to your local Social Security Administration office or by mail to your local office.
- 5). Send in additional documentation if required. If you receive a letter from the Social Security Administration requesting additional documentation, respond immediately. The letter will give you an exact deadline for the documentation it is requesting. Ignoring a request for additional documentation will result in a denial of your application.
- 6). Wait for a case review. It may take up to 90 days before a decision is made on an application for disability benefits. You will receive written notification once a decision has been made. If your application has been approved, you'll receive information about when your benefits will be paid as well as how to receive health and pharmaceutical benefits offered through Medicare. If denied, you will be notified how to appeal your claim.
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