The claims process for disability benefits is generally longer than for other types of Social Security benefits. It can take up to six months at each of the disability application and appeal levels. The wait for a hearing has grown as the backlog of cases grows – in many cities, it is well over a year.
To complete the application, you should gather the following information:
Your Social Security number
Your birth certificate or other evidence of your date of birth (if you do not have a birth certificate, you may request one from the State where you were born)
Your military discharge papers, if you were in the military service
Your spouse's birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits
Your children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers if they are applying for benefits
Your checking or savings account information, so your benefits can be directly deposited
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and institutions that treated you and dates of treatment
Names of all medications you are taking
Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers
Laboratory and test results
A summary of where you worked in the past 15 years and the kind of work you did
A copy of your W-2 Form (Wage and Tax Statement), or if you are self-employed, your federal tax return for the past year
Dates of prior marriages if your spouse is applying
The documents presented as evidence must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. SSA cannot accept uncertified or notarized photocopies as evidence since they cannot verify their authenticity. Do not delay filing for benefits just because you do not have all the information you need. The Social Security office will be glad to help you.
If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits you also need the following:
Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord's name
Payroll slips
Bank books
Insurance policies
Car registration
Burial fund records
Other information about your income and the things you own
