When it comes to applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in any state of the U.S., it is important to come prepared with the information one will need to complete the application. Any mistakes on an application or insufficient information could lead to a denial of the initial application and a subsequent appeal.
For example, when filling out an application for SSD benefits, applicants will need their Social Security number. If they were not born in the United States, applicants will need to provide information about their birth country and, if they are not a U.S. citizen, their permanent resident card number.
Moreover, if an applicant served in the U.S. military, they may need to provide information about which branch of the military they served in, the types of duties they performed and also how long they served. In addition, if an applicant has ever filed a workers’ compensation claim, they will need to provide the date upon which they became injured, their claim number and proof of any benefits received.
In addition, applicants may need to provide tax information. This could include the most recent W-2 form or, if self-employed, the federal income tax return. Applicants may also need to provide a list of up to five jobs they worked at and when over the past 15 years.
If an applicant wants their benefits to be directly deposited to their bank account, they will need the direct deposit numbers. Plus, an applicant may need to supply the name, address and phone number of an individual familiar with their medical condition who can help with an application, if necessary.
Finally, applicants need to provide information about their disabling condition. This includes providing information about the dates of treatment, their patient ID number and the contact information of the medical professionals they have seen for treatment. If they are currently taking any medication, an applicant needs to provide the name of the medication, along with the name of physician who prescribed them. Finally, applicants may need to provide all relevant medical records.
As this blog explains, filling out an application for SSD benefits can be overwhelming. But, this post is only a brief overview of the SSD application process. Individuals seeking SSD benefits can benefit from the help of an attorney who can help an individual apply for benefits.