Ready to apply for Social Security disability? You have two choices — both cost you nothing, but option #1 greatly improves your chances for approval:
- Get a disability advocate or lawyer to help you apply for Social Security disability.
- Apply on your own directly through the Social Security Administration.
Having a professional file your claim is the best way to get the most SSD benefits you’re owed paid faster. SSD lawyers work on contingency, so you’ll pay nothing for professional help filing your claim.
Option 1: Get Professional Help With Your Disability Application
Here are some benefits you’ll get from choosing this option:
- Every year, the SSA denies 38% of applicants for making basic mistakes on the claim forms. If you accidentally leave a required field blank or write the wrong answer, it’s called a “technical denial.” However, a lawyer can help you avoid errors and file your claim correctly the first time.
- The SSA approves fewer than 1 in 5 people who apply on their own for SSD benefits. In 2018, the SSA approved just 19% of first-time applicants for SSD benefits. A lawyer can review your situation and find federal, state and local assistance programs to help you right now.
- If the SSA denies your claim, a lawyer can fight to win you benefits at your appeals hearing. Once your application’s denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Many initially denied claimants win SSD benefits on appeal, and almost all those who do have a lawyer handling their case.
Option 2: Apply for Social Security Disability On Your Own
First, call or visit your local Social Security office and tell them you plan to apply for disability benefits. That gives you six months to complete and file your SSD application.
Then, gather convincing medical evidence. This can help prove you’re too disabled to work. The SSA needs to see your doctor’s signature on any medical records you submit, if possible. Your evidence must show:
- When your doctor diagnosed your disability (ask for a doctor’s letter that shows your condition’s onset date and how your symptoms limit your ability to work).
- How often your doctor treats your condition (or your chiropractor, physical therapist, psychiatrist, primary physician, occupational medicine doctor, physical rehab specialist, etc.), plus dosage and strength for any prescriptions you take.
- Your disability keeps you from working for at least 12 months or should result in death.
Once you gather all required medical evidence, you have three ways to file on your own:
- Visit your local Social Security office and apply in person. Schedule an appointment if you can, or get there right when the office opens to avoid long wait times.
- Call your local Social Security office to complete a benefits interview over the phone.
- Apply online directly through the SSA’s website.
Related: SSD Benefits Application Timeline: What to Expect
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.