How To Begin Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits

May 13, 2013

When an individual suffers from a condition or injury that leaves him or her unable to work for longer than one year, the only source of income available may be Social Security Disability Benefits. However, the process for filing and getting approval on a claim can sometimes prove to be a difficult and complex process.

This leaves many citizens with questions regarding the process and what qualifies an individual for benefits. An article from the Mansfield News Journal discusses these topics in detail and offers several tips for making the process as streamlined as possible.

Due to the process of filing for benefits taking up to 125 days, experts suggest applying for benefits as soon as possible. When an individual applies, he or she will need several pieces of documentation, including:

• Medical records indicating a debilitating condition
• Contact information for doctors and hospitals
• Employer contact information
• A tax return from the previous year

Once this information has been gathered, the potential beneficiary will need to begin the application process. This can be completed three ways. They can go to a local Social Security office, apply over the phone, or apply online. The latter of the three has become the preferred method in recent years.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin explain that due to the confusing nature of Social Security law, it may also be a good idea to discuss your legal rights with an attorney if you are considering applying for benefits.