How To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits: Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Filing a Social Security Disability application can be a complicated and frustrating process. Even if you can easily prove your disability qualifies, it can take more than half a year to receive a decision, and more than half of all initial applications are denied. The complex appeals process can drag the timeline out further.

The experienced benefits lawyers with the National Disability Alliance have built this guide to help you better understand how to successfully navigate your Social Security Disability application. Read on to learn more about how the disability application process works

Step-by-Step Guide To The Disability Application Process

1.Gather Documents

First, collect all the evidence you have detailing your disability, including medical documents, treatment records, and employment history. We’ve included a detailed breakdown of the specific documents you’ll need further below.

2.File Your Application

You can submit your application online, by calling 800-772-1213, or by visiting an in-person Social Security Administration office. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help ensure your application contains all the documents and information required to have the best chance at approval.

3.Receive Your Decision

The SSA will review your application and issue a decision letter in roughly six to eight months. If it decides to reject your application, you’ll have to enter the appeal process to continue your pursuit of disability benefits.

4.Appeal If Necessary

There are multiple steps to appealing a Social Security Disability benefits application denial, detailed below. You must appeal the decision within 60 days after receiving a denial letter.

5.File A Lawsuit

If you get through the disability benefits appeal process without getting the results you need, your last resort is to file a lawsuit in federal court to contest the denial. Our dedicated disability attorneys will fight relentlessly to get you the benefits you deserve, even if it means taking your case to trial.

Essential Documents Needed For Your Application

You’ll need to gather a variety of documents to prove your eligibility during the disability application process. The following are the documents required by the SSA:

Your birth certificate or other proof of birth. If you weren’t born in the U.S., you’ll need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status to prove you qualify for disability benefits.
If you served in the military before 1968, you’ll also need your discharge papers.
Any medical records currently in your possession, including treatment history, test results, reports, doctors’ notes, and anything else that can help establish that your disability qualifies for benefits. If you don’t have certain medical evidence in your possession, you can identify your health care providers in your application, and the SSA will request the documents directly.
Records that will help establish your qualifying work history, including award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements, or proof of workers’ compensation benefits.

If you’re having trouble locating certain records or need general assistance, the knowledgeable team at National Disability Alliance can lend a hand with the disability application process.

Common Reasons For Application Denials and How To Avoid Them

1. The Nature of Your Disability

The SSA may deny your claim if it determines that your disability is not severe enough to impair your ability to work or that your condition will improve enough within a year that you could potentially return to work.

We can help you avoid a denial by gathering the right medical evidence for your claim and ensuring it’s properly submitted. Continue with consistent treatment for your condition during the disability application process.

2. Your Work, Income, or Assets

The SSA may deny your disability benefits application if it determines that you can engage in “substantial gainful activity”—a threshold level of work. If you are applying for SSI, which is a needs-based program, there are additional rules about your financial resources and assets. If you have above a certain limit, the SSA may deny your claim.

3. Errors in Your Application

There are hundreds of questions to answer during the Social Security Disability application process, and many chances for missing an inconveniently timed call or appointment. As a result, you may unwittingly submit an incomplete application.

Certain disabilities can make it difficult to remember to follow prescribed treatment or keep appointments. However, the SSA may deny your claim if it determines that you refused or failed to follow medical treatment from a doctor, or if there was a piece of medical evidence you didn’t realize you needed to send.

Our experienced disability team can help you determine the documents you must submit to support your claim.

4. Lack of Help During The Process

The disability application process can be confusing, especially for someone with a qualifying condition. Many people do not ask for much-needed help until their applications for disability benefits are rejected.

Hiring our disability team to help build your case will increase your chances of getting monthly benefits through your initial application. If your claim is rejected, we can help you prove that you meet the disability criteria and get you the benefits you’re owed.

The SSA places time limits on submitting your initial application. If you were denied, you have a limited amount of time to submit an appeal. Don’t wait—contact our disability team to get your free evaluation today.

Navigating The Appeals Process After A Denial

Most people who file for disability benefits have their initial applications denied, which is where the appeals process comes in.

There are four stages of possible appeals throughout the application process, any of which can result in approval of benefits or another denial. Once you receive a notice of denial, you typically have 60 days to appeal. Our knowledgeable disability benefits lawyers can help you navigate the appeals process and give your application the best possible chance of success.

The four stages of the appeals process are as follows:

1. Reconsideration

Requesting a review by those who had no part in the initial decision is the first step of the appeals process. During this step, you can submit new evidence to support your disability claim. If your claim is denied at this stage, you can apply for a medical or non-medical hearing.

2. Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge

This step comes after an unfavorable outcome in the reconsideration stage. An administrative law judge will preside over a hearing and review previous decisions made on your claim. At this stage, your benefits request may be approved, partially approved, dismissed, or denied. If you receive an unfavorable decision, you may request a review by the Appeals Council.

3. Review by Appeals Council

The Appeals Council can deny your request for review, approve it, or send your case back for a second hearing with an administrative law judge. At this stage, the council will determine if errors were made at the previous levels. If you receive an unfavorable outcome, you may have to file a lawsuit in federal court.

4. Federal Court Review

This is the final stage of the appeals process and a last resort for challenging a decision by the SSA. At this stage, you’ve exhausted all options for administrative appeals and must file a civil lawsuit in federal court.

Our experienced disability attorneys will fight to secure you the benefits you deserve through every step of the application process, even if it means going to trial.

How Can National Disability Alliance Assist You In The Application Process

Taking on the disability application process alone can be frustrating, stressful, and difficult. The National Disability Alliance is here to help. Our skilled legal team can prepare your documents and ensure you submit sufficient evidence and information to prevail with your initial application. If you face a denial, we can give you legal assistance throughout the appeals process and fight to get you the results you deserve.

Contact us online or call 833-693-4722 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what we can do to assist you.