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As many people know, you can now file for Social Security disability online. While the process is relatively user-friendly, it can still be confusing to some and requires a great deal of homework for the applicant. We are proud to announce that our office now offers the service of helping people apply online.
There are three parts to the online disability application process. The first part is the actual application, which takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Here you are asked basic information to identify you, as well as for information such as marriages, past and present, and any children you have. In this stage of the application it is important to have your tax returns from the past two years, as you will also be asked about your income. If you served in the military, you will be asked for your discharge information and all periods of active duty.
If you are applying for yourself, you may electronically sign the application online when finished. If you are helping someone else apply, they are sent a copy of the application in the mail to review and sign. In this case, your application is not recognized by SSA until they receive the signed copy back from you.
The second part of the application process is the Adult Disability Report. This is the lengthiest part of the process that may be quite discouraging to some. Depending on how much information you have to provide (and SSA asks that you provide as much as possible), this part of the application can take an hour to two hours to complete. Here you are asked specific questions about your disabilities, medications, doctors, and past work. You must list the last five jobs from the last fifteen years and the dates you worked. When you start the report you are given a re-entry number, in case you need to stop and finish the report later.
Third, SSA needs a release form from you in order to request your medical records. Once you complete the Adult Disability Report, the website gives you the option to print out a SSA-827, along with a cover sheet that lists the local office you would take the form to. At this point, the claimant can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the local office if they qualify. You cannot file for SSI online.
Your claim will not be active until SSA receives these three items from you – the application, the Adult Disability Report, and the SSA-827. For a more complete list of the items needs to file online, please visit: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/info/isba/disability/firstpartydib.htm .
Because applying online is time-consuming and potentially confusing, it is a good idea to consult an attorney who practices in this field before getting started. He or she can help you understand the questions asked on the application, as well as help you understand what disability programs you qualify for. An attorney may also advise you in regards to other matters pertaining to your disability claim, such as if you are also collecting worker’s compensation or unemployment benefits, and how this would affect your claim.
Paulette F Balin & Associates, LLC is now helping people apply online! If you have lots of questions, are not sure which direction to take, or simply do not have access to a computer, we are here to help you. Call us today, toll-free, (866) 49BALIN and ask for Anna to set up your appointment. After we meet with you and get your basic information, we will file your application online for you and begin working on your claim immediately. We will help you every step of the way!
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