Preparing For A Disability Claim And What You Will Need

Personal Information & Family Details

The initial section of the SSDI application will request general information about you, your spouse, any past spouses, and any unmarried children under 18 (or between 18-19 if they attend high school full-time). These are the essential documents that you’ll need:

  • A certified copy of your original birth certificate.
  • A certificate of citizenship or permanent resident card is required if you were born outside of the United States.
  • Your marriage license or certificate

The Social Security Card

The Social Security numbers, birthdates of any qualifying dependents, and their living arrangements.

To enroll in direct deposit, you must provide your banking information (i.e., your bank account number and routing number).

Education, Work History, & Military Service

Basic information about your education and detailed recent employment history will be required. The following documents and information will also be needed:

The name of the high school and its location, along with your highest level of education and when you finished school

Please list any vocational training or trade schools you have attended, including the completion date and city/state location.

  • To sign up for our services, please provide us with either copy of your W2 forms or self-employment tax returns from the last year.
  • Current and past two years’ worth of employer information or self-employment information (sometimes, this can be found on old pay stubs).
  • The date on which your medical condition(s) began to impede your ability to work.

If you became disabled 15 years ago or less, list the types of jobs held in those intervening years. Jobs you’ve held, what were the kinds of tasks you were typically assigned? If you served in the military before 1968, your discharge papers should include your branch, sort of duty, and service period dates.

Workers’ Compensation

In addition to other documents, if you are applying for Social Security disability and have received workers’ compensation due to a debilitating injury or illness, you will need:

  • Your award letter and claim number
  • Your settlement agreement
  • Pay stubs

Other documentation that verifies you have received temporary or permanent workers’ compensation benefits.

Medical Records & Documentation

One of the essential papers for obtaining Social Security disability is proof of a debilitating medical condition. One of the most common reasons for SSDI claim rejections is inadequate documentation of an injury or illness. A disabilities benefits lawyer can assist you in locating this vital evidence if you do not have access to or do not know how to request your medical records or other corroborative documents. Consider contacting Greeman Toomey  if you want assistance with applying for Social Security programs. Call us at (877) 332-3252.