Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are a necessity in America. They’re there to cover the needs of those who are injured, have a disability or a severe illness that is expected to last a year or longer or result in death. There is a very strict definition of a disability based on federal law, which makes it challenging to obtain SSDI benefits.
To start with, if you plan on filing an application for SSDI benefits, you will need to collect some information for the Social Security Administration (SSA). This information includes your:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security number
- Medical records for therapists, doctors, clinics, caseworkers and others who have worked with you on this specific injury
- Test and laboratory results
- Copies of your most recent W-2 forms. If you’re self-employed, then you’ll need your previous year’s tax return
- Dosages and names for all the medications you take
- A summary describing where you worked and what kind of work you did there
This is the most basic information that you will need to provide. In addition to this, you may need to fill out additional forms that describe your health condition and how it affects your ability to work a normal job.
What happens after you submit a disability application?
After you submit an application, you will need to wait for the state agency to give you a response. Many applicants are denied benefits upon their first application, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t entitled to benefits. It just means that you will need to file an appeal, which is something to discuss with your attorney.
