​​​Social Security Disability and Veterans Compensation Attorneys

SSA Lawyers P.A.

There are several ways to start an application for benefits. One way is to call the Social Security Administration's general telephone number, 1-800-772-1213, and ask to be scheduled for an appointment with a claims representative to make an application for benefits. Unfortunately the hold time can be lengthy and the appointment may be months into the future.

A more efficient way to apply, is to do so online. However, if your do not have all the information needed on hand, it may take a long time and several attempts to complete the application,

An attorney or a member of his or her staff, who frequently assists claimants in completing applications, can assist you and speed up the process of making an application.

The first thing you should do is answer all of the questions on the disability report found here. 

Once that  is done, you can begin the application process. On the first page you must agree to the terms

On the next page, click the button on the second paragraph, which reads "Start a new Application"

​If you do not have a Login.gov account, you will be asked to create one. You will need an email address.

They will send a code to your email address and you will need to enter the code where indicated.

You can then create a password. Once you do this you can type in your user name which is your email address

​and your password and begin the process. You will be taken to a page asking for your consent to share information.

​Click "yes". You will next be asked some questions to confirm your identity. When  that is done, you can begin

answering the questions on the application. 

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You will be give a code to resume the application, if you cannot finish it all at one time. It is very important that you save this code.

Once the application is completed, you will be asked to print and sign authorization forms and send them to the Social Security

Administration.

In a few weeks after you submit the application, the file will be transmitted to the state disability determination service. This is a state agency which contracts with the Social Security Administration to make disability determinations. Initially it will be assigned to the "Development Unit".  You will be asked to complete questionnaires indicating how your disabilities affect your ability to function. You will also be asked to complete a work history report, listing the jobs you have held in the preceding five years, and the mental and exertional requirements of these jobs.

The state agency will request your medical records from your medical providers, usually from one year prior to the date of your application.. You may also send in your medical records, but it is best to check to see what records have already been received by the state agency to avoid duplicates.

Unfortunately, there is a backlog of claims at the state agency level and it may take many months before the claim is assigned to an adjudicator who will make a decision on the claim. Once the case is assigned to an adjudicator, he or she will review the file to make sure all relevant medical records have been obtained and all requested questionnaires have been returned. The adjudicator may ask you to attend  examinations with doctors to examine you and give opinions as to the severity of your conditions and your limitations. After the reports from these examinations are returned, the adjudicator will ask medical advisors to review the file and give opinions as to your residual functional capacity. Finally, after this is done, a decision will be made.

If the decision is favorable, you will receive a notice of award. You should talk with your attorney to make sure the notice of award is correct and to discuss other issues such as auxiliary benefits, work attempts, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.

If the decision is not favorable, you can appeal the decision. This is called a Request for Reconsideration.

The following is a link to  information regarding the reconsideration process

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