How to Get Social Security Disability

In addition to providing a retirement program for workers, Social Security offers a long-term disability income program for workers who become disabled through no fault of their own. However the program is designed to weed out fraud, and as a result it is very difficult to qualify for benefits. Those who have disabilities that meet the requirements, however, will need to go through a lengthy application process.

1. Assess the severity of your disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will only approve long-term Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits for those with severe disabilities. The SSA guidelines for qualification mean your medical condition must not only make you unable to work in the field that you used to, but in any other field as well. The medical condition must be debilitating and projected to last more than a year, or perhaps even end in death. In addition, you must be over 18 and have worked for a long enough time to qualify for benefits. Also, if you are currently working while disabled and earning more than $1,000 in a single month (as of 2011), you will not qualify.


2. Gather all of your doctors notes, medical records and prescription information for the previous 15 years. You'll need this as part of your application process. Also include all information concerning the doctors whom you have talked to and who feel that you have a qualifying disability.


3. Gather all of your financial information and work records. This includes bank statements, 401K information, W-2 forms, 1099s, tax returns, and other related information, over the last 15 years. 


4. Request new copies of all of your medical, work and financial records if you do not have them. Make sure it goes back at least 15 years if possible.


5. Visit the SSA website and click the "Disability" tab which is the third tab from the left. Click on the "Apply for Disability" link. This is also where you will file an appeal if your initial claim is denied. Alternately, you may also initiate an application by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Fill out all relevant information as carefully, truthfully and thoroughly as possible. 


6. Fill out the Authorization to Disclose Information. This will authorize the SSA to look at your medical records. After filling out all parts of your application there will be a variable period of time after which you will receive notice in the mail of a face to face meeting time with a disability benefits agent.


7. Arrive at the interview on time. Take all of your financial, medical and employment information with you. If you lack certain documents, attend regardless, and work with the agent to find the information and close any gaps. For instance, the Government may have all of your employment records, since they are automatically reported for tax purposes.


8. Attend any subsequent interviews if you are asked to come back. You may be subjected to a 3-5 month wait for a decision on your disability benefits.


9. File an appeal within 60 days if your claim is denied. You can start the appeal process by going to the SSA website or calling them at their phone number. Most disability claims are denied on the first try. Whether your application is accepted on the first try or on appeal, you will receive back benefits dated back to the time of your first application.