Last Updated on July 19, 2022 by Deborah L. Hardin

Learn how to apply for Social Security Disability benefits online.

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits online is not difficult, but the process will go more smoothly if you are prepared.

Watch this video or scroll down for more information on how to apply for disability benefits online.

Step 1: Gather your information.

The Social Security Administration recommends that you gather the information listed below before you apply. However, even if you don’t have all the information – you can still apply!

help

Information About You:

  • Your birth date, place of birth, and Social Security number
  • The name, Social Security number, and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death (if appropriate).
  • Names and dates of birth of your minor children
  • Your bank or other financial institution’s Routing Transit Number and the account number

Information About Your Medical Condition:

  • Name, address, and phone number of someone that SSA can contact who knows about your medical conditions
  • Detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries, or conditions:
    • Names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics;
    • Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them; and
    • Names and dates of medical tests performed and who sent you for them.

Information About Your Work:

  • The amount of money earned last year and this year
  • The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year
  • The dates of any active U.S. military service
  • A list of the jobs that you held in the 15 years before you became unable to work, and the dates you worked at those jobs
  • Information about any workers’ compensation, black lung, and/or similar benefits you filed, or intend to file for. These benefits can:
    • Be temporary or permanent in nature;
    • Include annuities and lump sum payments that you received in the past;
    • Be paid by your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier, private agencies, or Federal, State or other government or public agencies; and
    • Be referred to as:
      1. Workers’ Compensation;
      2. Black Lung Benefits;
      3. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation;
      4. Civil Service (Disability) Retirement;
      5. Federal Employees’ Retirement;
      6. Federal Employees’ Compensation;
      7. State or local government disability insurance benefits; or
      8. Disability benefits from the military (This includes military retirement pensions based on disability but not Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits.)

Step 2: Apply Online:

Once you have gathered the information that you will need, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online at:

Adult Application: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

Children’s SSI Application: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html

Please note: If you are unable to apply online, you can call your local SSA office and apply over the phone. Some claims are not able to be filed online.

Step 3: Respond to SSA Inquiries:

After the Social Security Administration receives your online application, they may contact you for more information. Be sure to promptly answer any phone calls, letters, or forms that you receive.  Watch for deadlines that are included in any forms or letters.

Step 4: Sit back and wait!

Congratulations, you are finished with your Social Security Disability application! Most applicants receive a decision letter within a few months. Others may not receive an answer for a year or more. Do not hesitate to follow up with your local Social Security Office for regular updates.

While you are waiting, learn how to check the status of your application.

Denied? Now what?

Please be aware that most new applicants are denied when they first apply. Being prepared helps your case, but often that is just not enough. Once you receive that denial letter, it is time to contact an attorney for help. Most benefits are won on appeal, not during the initial application.

Originally published: April 30, 2015 on http://thehardinlawfirm.com.



Contact us for help with your SSDI or SSI appeal or hearing:

The Hardin Law Firm, PLC

Our Disability Team is ready to answer your questions.

SERVING: Arkansas and surrounding areas.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

2 Comments

Joye J. · August 8, 2019 at 7:32 am

I have multiple Sclerosis, it effects every part of my body including tremors, unable to walk, balance, etc.

    Deborah L. Hardin · August 12, 2019 at 9:16 am

    Hi Joye,

    I’m so sorry to hear that you are dealing with this. We’ve helped other claimants with MS, so I’ve seen how debilitating it can be. 🙁
    If you are in Arkansas and need help with your ALJ Hearing, please give us a call at (501) 247-1830.

    Thanks,
    Deborah

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