When your health condition makes it impossible to continue working, and the bills are piling up, you can’t help but worry about how you’ll make ends meet. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide vital financial support for people with medical impairments that prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA), but the application process often feels overwhelming.
At Disability Services of America, we understand. As a Social Security Administration-approved Employment Network (EN), we’ve helped Americans across the country navigate the lengthy and often frustrating SSDI application process. We know the challenges you’re facing and can help ensure that you have the resources needed to submit a strong application for benefits.
Here’s what you should know to apply for SSDI online and how we can assist you.
Getting Ready to Apply for SSDI Benefits
Before beginning your online SSDI application, gather documentation about your work history, medical conditions, and treatment providers. You’ll also need your Social Security number and to verify your age (the SSA accepts birth certificates, religious records made before age 5, and U.S. passports as proof of age). Having this information readily available helps the process go smoothly.
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Collect W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from the previous year.
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Choose someone who knows about your medical conditions and can help explain how they affect your daily activities. Have their contact information handy.
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Make a list of all your medical problems, including the dates they began and how they limit your ability to work. Include contact information for every health care provider who has treated your conditions.
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Prepare a detailed work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, duties, employment dates, and pay rates. (The SSA needs this information to process your SSDI claim.)
Understanding the Online Application Process
Completing the SSDI online application can be a lengthy process. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) online application system lets you complete the SSDI claim at your own pace. The website allows you to save your progress and return later if you need to gather additional information.
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Visit the SSA website and create a free My Social Security account. This account gives you secure access to complete your application and check its status.
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Answer the questions about your medical conditions, work history, education, and training honestly and thoroughly. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay your claim or result in a denial.
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Electronically sign the forms, allowing the SSA to contact your health care providers and previous employers. These forms permit the SSA to obtain the evidence needed to evaluate your claim.
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Provide information on any workers’ compensation or public disability benefits you receive. This information helps the SSA determine your monthly SSDI payment amount.
Avoiding Common SSDI Application Mistakes
The SSA denies many claims in the initial stage of its five-step sequential evaluation process. Many applicants unintentionally hurt their chances of approval by making preventable errors on their SSDI application. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you submit a stronger claim for benefits.
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Don’t minimize symptoms or limitations. Provide specific examples of how your conditions affect your ability to work and complete daily activities.
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Make sure that all the dates in your application are correct and consistent. Discrepancies between medical records and the information you provide can raise red flags.
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List all of your medical conditions, even the ones that seem minor. Sometimes, multiple conditions combine to create significant limitations that qualify for benefits.
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Include detailed contact information for all of your health care providers. Missing or inaccurate provider information makes it harder for the SSA to obtain your medical records and process your claim.
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Ensure that all the medical records you provide are from acceptable medical sources (AMS)
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Don’t skip questions or leave sections blank. If a question doesn’t apply to your situation, write a note indicating that rather than leaving the field empty.
Getting Help With Your Online SSDI Application
Applying for Social Security disability benefits is an important step toward securing your financial future. As an SSA-approved Employment Network, Disability Services of America can help you navigate the online application process and ensure you submit the strongest possible claim. Though we’re located in Illinois, we provide the same exceptional service to all our clients—whether you’re sitting in our office or on the other side of the country.