Where to File for Social Security Disability

You can apply for benefits in person at any Social Security office, by telephone, on the internet or by mail. You have the right to an individual meeting at your local Social Security office. Going to a local office in person may allow you to receive advice from the agency workers, giving you an opportunity to correct any mistakes on your application prior to filing, and possibly allow for more personal treatment of your claim. One of the benefits of going to the office directly is that you will have up to date information and forms to file your claim properly.

How to File for Social Security Disability

The federal government states that the process will proceed more quickly if you go into your conference prepared with certain information. Therefore, along with your application, the government recommends completion of a Disability Report, which is available at the government offices, and on-line through the Social Security website. The information that you will need includes:

Your doctor's report should include all specific information to satisfy the government's proof requirements. It must include, based on a recent examination, the diagnosis of injuries or illnesses causing the severe impairment of work capacity and an explanation of the restrictions to work resulting from the impairment.

After the Claim is Filed

Once your application is received, or following the interview, a Social Security representative will review the information you have presented. If the application meets certain basic criteria, it will be forwarded to State Disability Determination Services (called DDS offices).

The medical professionals listed in your application may be contacted by doctors and other medical professionals employed by state agencies. All relevant information should be gathered through the initial interview process. If a more in-depth analysis is needed, the government may ask you to undergo a special examination by your own doctor or another agency-assigned doctor.

The SSA office will determine if you are eligible for disability at the "reconsideration" step.

Unfortunately, many initial Social Security Disability claims are denied. Due to the complicated processes of filing and appealing denials, obtaining a qualified Social Security Disability attorney will often help to obtain benefits.