Did you know you can apply for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits online?

If you had to stop working because of a sickness or injury and expect to be out of work for at least 12 months, the Social Security Administration has made it very easy to apply for Social Security Disability. Simply go to the Social Security website at http://ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ and fill out the forms online. There are 2 main forms: The Disability Application and the Disability Report.

You will need the following information for each of the forms to complete your application for Social Security Disability or SSI:

DISABILITY APPLICATION

• Military Service discharge information (Form DD 214) for all periods of active duty.

• W-2 Form (or your IRS 1040 and Schedules C and SE if self-employed) from last year.

• Social Security Number(s) for your spouse and minor children.

• Checking or savings account number and bank routing number, if you want Direct Deposit for your benefit checks.

DISABILITY REPORT

• Name, address and phone number of someone we can contact who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your claim.

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics.
  NOTE: You may want to refer to any Medical Records you have.

• Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them.
  NOTE: You may want to have your medicine bottles available.

• Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them.

• Types of jobs and dates you worked for your last 5 jobs.

• Information about any insurance or workers' compensation claims you filed, such as claim number and name, address and phone number of insurance company.

You can also apply by phone or in person at a Social Security office, but the online application is the way we recommend people apply these days.

Although you do not need a disability benefit attorney to file your application, having a consultation before you apply can be very helpful. Speak to a Social Security disability attorney that will give you a free consultation to get some tips on how to help your claim for Social Security Disability and SSI.

Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.