If you’re wondering, “What do I need to apply for disability?” you’re not alone. Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be a complex process, but being prepared can make it much easier.
In this guide, we’ll outline everything you need to complete your disability application, from personal identification and medical records to details about your work history and family. Being prepared can help you avoid delays and give your application the best possible chance of success.
Claim what you worked for.
Key Takeaways
- Gather essential documents before applying: Birth certificate, proof of citizenship, tax records, medical evidence, and employment history are crucial to prevent delays.
- The SSA requires details on marital status, children, prior benefits, military service, and employment history.
- Missing documents won’t stop your application; the SSA or your representative can help you gather them.
In this article about what is needed to apply for disability:
What do I need to apply for disability?
Before applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it’s important to gather the necessary documents. Having everything ready can help prevent delays in the application process.
Essential documents you may be asked to provide include:
- Birth certificate or proof of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status
- U.S. military discharge papers if you served before 1968
- W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the previous year
- An Adult Disability Report detailing your condition and work history
- Medical evidence
- Proof of workers’ compensation-type benefits received, if applicable
What other information will the Social Security Administration need?
During the application process, you may also be asked to provide:
Personal Information
- Your name, and name at birth (if different)
- Your sex
- Your Social Security number
- Your date and place of birth
- Whether a public or religious birth record was made for you before age 5
- Your citizenship status
- Whether you’ve used any other Social Security number
Previous Applications and Benefit History
- Whether you or someone else has ever filed for SSDI, Social Security retirement, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on your behalf
- Any workers’ compensation, black lung, or similar benefits you’ve filed for or plan to file for
Military, Government, and Other Employment History
- If you served in the military before 1968. If so, your service dates and eligibility for monthly benefits from military or federal civilian agencies, including VA disability
- Whether you or your spouse ever worked in the railroad industry
- Whether you earned Social Security credits under another country’s system
- If you qualify for or expect to receive a pension or annuity from government work
Marital and Family Information
- If you’re currently married, your spouse’s name, date of birth (or age), and Social Security number (if known)
- The names, birthdates (or ages), and Social Security numbers (if known) of any former spouses
- The dates and places of each marriage, and how and when any marriages ended
- Names of any unmarried children under the age of 18, over the age of 18 and in school, or disabled before age 22
- Whether you had a child under age 3 living with you during a year with no earnings
- Whether you have a parent who depended on you for at least half of their support when you became disabled
Employment and Earnings
- Whether you have had earnings every year since 1978
- The names of your employer(s) or details of your self-employment and your earnings for this year and last year
- If you’ve received or expect to receive any money from an employer since becoming unable to work
Disability and Legal Status
- The date you became unable to work due to your medical condition(s), and whether you’re still unable to work
- Whether you have any outstanding felony or arrest warrants, escaping or avoiding persecution
The SSA will also ask for your direct deposit information when you apply. This is so they can send your payments quickly if you’re approved. If you’d rather not use a bank account, you can choose to get your disability benefits through a prepaid debit card.
Under federal law, all federal benefit payments must be made electronically through direct deposit or with a prepaid benefits card.
If you’re missing a document, you don’t need to wait to apply. The Social Security Administration, your attorney, or your representative can help you gather what’s needed. Applying sooner helps avoid unnecessary delays.
How Woods & Woods can help
Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.
Don’t face Social Security alone.
Frequently asked questions
When applying for SSDI benefits, having the right documents and information ready can help avoid delays.
You’ll need:
• Your birth certificate and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status
• W-2s or tax returns from last year
• Medical records and an Adult Disability Report
• Proof of any workers’ comp or similar benefits
• Military discharge papers (if you served before 1968)
Other information you may be asked for includes:
• Your Social Security number, birth details, and marital history
• Information about your children or dependents
• Work and earnings history
• Details about any past benefits, military service, or pensions
• The date you became unable to work
Under federal law, all Social Security benefits must be distributed electronically. However, if you do not want to receive your benefits through direct deposit, you can choose to receive your benefits on a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®.
Lori Underwood
Lori Underwood received her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. She previously practiced Social Security disability and personal injury law and was a juvenile court attorney.
She has been an attorney at
Woods & Woods since 2014.
