Select Page

What Information will I need to apply for SSDI?

Appealing for benefits is best done under the guidance of an experienced disability lawyer.

The Social Security Administration will require you to provide certain information when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance.

Author Attorney Lloyd Bemis:

Once you’ve decided on the application method that will work best for you- online, by phone, or in person- you will need to gather the information required to file a claim.

What information do I need to file for SSDI?

In most instances, the Social Security Administration will only accept original documents or certified copies certified by the original issuing agency. If you need help applying call 512-454-4000

In most instances, the Social Security Administration will only accept original documents or certified copies certified by the original issuing agency (i.e., a replacement birth certificate). Regular copies are not accepted. For difficult-to-replace documents, it may be best to bring the document to the Social Security Office in person rather than risk losing it in the mail. The Social Security Administration asks specifically that you do not send any documentation from the Department of Homeland Security or foreign birth records through the mail. There are three categories of documentation you will need: identifying records, work and financial history records, and medical records.


Identifying records:

Identifying records includes all information the Social Security Administration needs to verify that you are who you say are.
These records are also used to determine if you are eligible for benefits
and are also helpful for determining if your family members are eligible for auxiliary benefits.
You will want to know:

  •     The names and birthdates of all your children
  •     Marriage/divorce dates and spouse’s names
  •     Your Social Security Number and the Social Security numbers of your spouse and children
  •     Your criminal history- If you have a criminal record, be forthcoming and honest. It is rare for an application to be denied for this reason, but the Social Security Administration will ask for information pertaining to your record.

 

You will want to have:

  •     Your Birth Certificate
  •     Proof of U.S. citizenship if you are not native-born
  •     Your Social Security Card
  •     You may want to have the marriage certificates and final decree of divorce available.

 


The SSA wants information from you to file for SSDI

Work and Financial Records:

The Social Security Administration will require information pertaining to the last fifteen years of your career in order to evaluate your ability to perform your job.
It is highly recommended that you take time beforehand to compile your work history information.
Many applicants do not prepare beforehand and end up answering the work history section incompletely or insufficiently.

Work and Financial Records that may be Required:

  •     Your work history- dates, contact info, general description of the last fifteen years of your career
  •     W-2s, 1099s or other documentation displaying proof of income
  •     Your tax return from the previous year
  •     Military service records- dates of service, rank and branch, discharge papers if applicable
  •     Any papers you have regarding Workers Compensation or any other disability benefit you have received.

 

Know what you have in the way of assets- review your bank accounts, stocks, real estate, etc… Social Security Disability Insurance eligibility is not based on your assets, but if you know what you have you may find you are eligible for SSI or other programs that may be able to provide you with additional assistance.


Medical Records

Medical records are the most important aspect of your claim.
Having comprehensive and coherent medical records is the key to a successful claim.
When you speak with your doctor, let them know how your condition affects your ability to work. Disability Determination Services looks at the relationship between your condition and your job, it is vital that they have as complete an understanding as possible.
You will want to have the following information available:

  •     Contact information for all facilities where you have been treated for the condition you are claiming disability for.
  •     The dates of every time you were treated for the condition you are claiming disability for.
  •     Documentation relating to any drugs you have been prescribed- At least the names and dosages.
  •     Any records relating to any medical testing you have undergone.

 

You will also be asked you fill out a disability report which will require much of the above-listed information.
Once you have gathered the documents and information listed above you are ready to apply.

 


Disability attorneys

The team of disability lawyers at Bemis, Roach & Reed knows how crucial disability benefits can be for maintaining financial stability. Our attorneys are assisting clients with their disability cases in cities all across Texas. Contact our attorneys today at no cost to you. We offer free consultations. Call 512-454-4000 and get help NOW.

Email us at:
contact@brrlaw.com

download disability guide

5 star disability lawyers

"Words can not truly express the gratitude that I feel toward Mr. Lonnie Roach and his professional team. I give them an A+++. Very compassionate and prompt. Their priorities are first and foremost helping you succeed at your case. When you feel helpless, feeling like someone is on your side can mean the world to you. Thank you for working for the people."
-Amy K.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

top disability attorney

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Attorney Lloyd BemisAuthor: Attorney Lloyd Bemis has been practicing law for over 35 years. He is Superlawyers rated by Thomson Reuters and is Top AV Preeminent® and Client Champion Gold rated by Martindale Hubbell. Through his extensive litigation Mr. Bemis obtained dual board certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lloyd is admitted to practice in the United States District Court - all Texas Districts and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Mr. Bemis is a member of the Travis County Bar Association. He has been active in the American Association for Justice and is a past Director of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Bemis and all the members of Bemis, Roach & Reed have been active participants in the Travis County Lawyer referral service.

Your Free Initial Consultation

At Bemis, Roach and Reed, if we can't help you, we will try to find the right attorneys for you.

We offer each of our prospective clients a free no obligation one hour phone or office consultation to see if we can help you and if you are comfortable with us. We know how difficult a time like this can be and how hard the decisions are. If we can be of assistance to you and help you find a solution to your issue we will even if that means referring you to another attorney.

top SSDI attorneys

Or simply call
512-454-4000
to schedule your
Free Consultation

Let's get you Started:

If you could provide us with some basic information about your claim we will get right back with you with a free case evaluation and schedule your Free Consultation Today.

You can also email us at: contact@brrlaw.com

Call now for a FREE initial consultation