How do I apply for Social Security Disability?

Social Security will only consider you for disability benefits if you apply.   You can start the application process yourself or a loved one can start it for you if you are unable to do so yourself.  There is no charge to apply but there can be consequences to applying then not following through ¹

There are three ways to apply for Social Security disability benefits:

• online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability
• by phone – call 800-772-1213
• in person at your local Social Security office

Currently, I am recommending to potential clients that they try to apply online.   Here are my thoughts about the three ways to apply:

Apply Online for Disability Benefits

You can apply online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability.  I recommend this method because Social Security is moving from a paper based system to a paperless system.  In my experience, online applications are processed faster and you will get your decision faster.

Telephone and in-person applications will need to be entered manually into the Social Security system.  Currently SSA has a staffing shortage and the data entry people who work there are overworked, which increases the possibility of mistakes.

The online application process has been improved dramatically over the past few years, although you still should not assume that your application has been received and started until you receive a written acknowledgment notice in the mail.  This acknowledgment should be sent to you within 2 to 3 weeks after you submit your online application.  If you do not receive this acknowledgment, you need to call SSA at 800-772-1213 to inquire as to the status of your claim for benefits.

Most of the time, the online system will accept your application but some applications will not be accepted by the online system.  If this happens, you will see a message on your screen advising you to apply by ph0ne or in person.

Apply by Telephone for Disability Benefits

If you are not computer savvy, or if you cannot get the online system to work for you, the next best option is to apply by telephone.  You can do this by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.   Generally the best days to call are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as SSA call centers get more volume on Mondays and Fridays.

Your call will be answered by an automated menu system that will prompt you for responses (i.e., press “1” for this, press “2” for that).  You will have to go through several menus to tell the system that you want to apply for disability benefits.  Eventually you will reach a live person.

While you can update the information in your file later, you should have the following ready:

• your full legal name (as shown on your Social Security card)
• your date of birth
• your mother’s maiden name (for security purposes)
• your alleged onset date – this should be the earliest date on which you became unable to work full time
• identify with as much detail as possible the medical reasons for your claimed disability
• you should tell the attendant that you want to apply for both SSDI and SSI
• if the attendant asks if you are working now, your answer should be “no”

Apply in Person for your Social Security Disability Benefits

If you cannot apply online and the phone system is too cumbersome, you can apply in person at your local Social Security office.  Here, too, you should try to go on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and try to arrive right at 8am to avoid the lines.

When you apply in person, you should have the following ready:

• your full legal name (as shown on your Social Security card)
• your date of birth
• your mother’s maiden name (for security purposes)
• your alleged onset date – this should be the earliest date on which you became unable to work full time
• identify with as much detail as possible the medical reasons for your claimed disability
• you should tell the attendant that you want to apply for both SSDI and SSI
• if the attendant asks if you are working now, your answer should be “no”

Once you apply, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.  If you do not receive a confirmation letter, it is possible that SSA has lost or deleted your claim.  Lost claims are uncommon but they do happen.  Please call my office at 770-393-4985 if you need more information about starting the application process.