What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Social Security Disability?

If you’ve suffered a disability that prevents you from working, you might be entitled to Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. These are monthly payments you might receive if you have earned enough work credits and meet the Social Security Administration’s eligibility criteria, which include having a qualifying disability that prevents you from performing substantially gainful activity. When you are getting ready to apply for SSDI, you must gather relevant information to submit with your application. What documents do I need to apply for Social Security disability? Scroll down for a helpful list.

What You Need to Apply for SSDI

Before you apply for SSDI, you’ll need to gather relevant documents to support your application. Some of these documents are needed to verify your identity while others are used by the SSA to evaluate your eligibility for benefits and whether your disability qualifies you.

What documents do I need to apply for Social Security disability? Read on to find out.

Identity Documents

The SSA will want to confirm your identity and your legal status before it can process your application. Because of this, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Original copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of US citizenship or status as a lawful permanent resident (passport, green card, etc.)
• Valid government-issued ID
• Social Security card

To receive SSDI, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. People with other types of legal status and undocumented immigrants are not eligible for benefits.

Proof of Earnings Record

To be eligible for SSDI, you must have earned sufficient work credits. SSDI is not an entitlement. Instead, you must have paid enough into Social Security through work deductions to qualify. If you haven’t worked at all because of your disability, look into Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a related program for those with severe disabling conditions who don’t have enough or any work history.

SSDI eligibility generally requires you to have earned at least 40 work credits, which is approximately equivalent to working for 10 years. Five of those years (20 credits) must have been in the years predating your application. However, those who suffer disabilities while younger might still qualify if they meet the following criteria:

• Disability before age 24: Six credits or 1.5 years worked in the three years before your application
• Disability between 24 to 30: Credits needed for 50 percent of the time between ages 21 and the date of your application
• Disability ages 31 and older: 20 credits in the past 10 years before your application

The SSA will want you to submit proof of your earnings records. This might include the following documents:

• W-2s
• Self-employment tax returns
• Income tax returns
• Military discharge paperwork

Documents About Your Disabling Condition

Even if you’ve paid into Social Security for enough time and have a disability, you’ll still need to present evidence that your condition is severe enough that it prevents you from returning to work in any capacity and is expected to last at least 12 months. You’ll need to gather the following documents to support your claim:

• Medical records, including doctors’ notes, nurses’ notes, diagnostic tests, and other information demonstrating the severity of your condition and its likelihood of preventing you from returning to your job
• Adult Disability Report from the SSA that provides contact information for at least two people who know you (other than doctors) and can describe how your condition affects your ability to engage in the activities of daily living
• Any information about workers’ compensation benefits you receive because of your condition (award letters, settlement agreement, pay stubs, etc.)
• Proof of receipt of VA disability benefits, if applicable

Contact Ellis & Associates

Even if you gather and submit all of these documents when you apply for SSDI, don’t be surprised if you are initially denied. Most initial applications are denied by the SSA, but many are later approved on appeal. If you have been denied or need help with the application and appeals process, contact the disability lawyers at Ellis & Associates today by calling us at 800-MR-ELLIS or by sending us a message online.