If you are under age 65 and unable to work due to a physical handicap, chronic illness, or mental disorder, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs provide funding to help qualifying individuals pay for basic living expenses such as food, housing and clothing.
Applying for Social Security Disability
The best way to apply is to schedule an appointment with a Social Security representative by calling toll-free 1-800-772-1213. You can also go directly to your local Social Security Administration department, although you may be required to wait (sometimes for several hours). You can also apply online by clicking below:
- For SSD benefits - www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability.htm
- For SSI benefits - www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/ssi.htm
When you apply for benefits online, you will be required to complete an application and paperwork. If you apply at your local Social Security office, you will want to have the following with you:
- Your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate or other proof of your age
- Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord's name
- Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records and other information about your income and the things you own
- The names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and clinics that you have been to, if you are applying for SSI because you are disabled or blind
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non citizen status
- Your checkbook or other papers that show your bank, credit union or savings and loan account number
Even if you do not have all of the things listed above, you can apply anyway. The people in the Social Security office can help you get some of the necessary information.
For assistance from an attorney while applying for SSD or SSI benefits, or to appeal a rejected application, contact the Montgomery, Alabama, lawyers at the Stiller Law Group. We have been helping individuals with Social Security benefits for over 30 years. Contact us by calling 334-239-0065 for a free initial consultation.
