If you’re applying for Social Security Disability, you need to have your Social Security number, birth certificate, case number and the names of your doctors ready. You will also need the address, name and phone number of any medical facility you attended for care. Remember to keep the dates of all your visits for the purpose of your application.
Your will need the names and dosages of your medications to provide them to the Social Security Administration, laboratory and test results, a summary explaining where you worked and the kind of work you performed and copies of your most recent W-2. If you’re self-employed, you can use your federal tax returns from the past year to file your application. If you have medical records from doctors, therapists, hospital stays or other medical documents, keep these as well. You will need as much evidence of your condition as possible to apply for benefits.
You will also need to fill out an application for disability benefits and several other forms detailing your condition and how it affects your ability to work. These forms may include medical releases, so the administration can look at your files legally.
How much you can get for your benefits varies depending on a number of factors, like your average paycheck and how long you’ve worked. You can collect your paychecks and tax statements to take to your attorney to determine your likely benefits. Our website has more information on what to expect when you file for Social Security Disability and what to do if you’ve been denied. You can appeal a denial and work toward receiving the benefits you deserve.