What Information Will I Need for a Social Security Disability Claim?

If you’ve been injured or suffer from an illness that prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The first step in seeking benefits is to apply for them with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The application process can be long and involved, so it’s wise to have an idea of the types of information you may need to file your claim or to support it. You should file your claim as soon as possible after you become unable to work. The initial pieces of information the SSA will need include:

• Your Social Security number;
• Your birth certificate or baptismal certificate;
• Contact information for doctors, hospitals, and caseworkers that have taken care of you, especially the ones caring for the conditions that have disabled you;
• Medical records from your doctors, hospitals, and caseworkers if you have them (if you do not, the SSA can request them directly from your health care providers);
• Laboratory and test results;
• A summary of the jobs you have held in the last five years and the work you did while in those jobs; and
• A copy of your most recent W-2 or your most recent tax return (if you are self-employed).

The SSA provides forms for starting your disability claim on its website. These forms may ask for additional information. Always use the SSA’s requests for information on its paperwork, or via letter or phone call, when deciding which information to send regarding your disability claim.

If you’re thinking about filing for Social Security disability benefits, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced California Social Security disability claim lawyer at the Kenton Koszdin Law Office. For a free consultation, call us today at (800) 438-7734.