Getting Your Papers in Order for a Disability Application

First, a word about waiting

Social Security says not to delay filing just because you do not have every paper. They will help you get missing information. (SSA Adult Disability Starter Kit) So gather what you can, then apply.

You can apply online, or call 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. to apply by phone or make an appointment at your local office. (SSA: Apply for disability) Social Security also has a free Adult Disability Starter Kit with a checklist and a worksheet. (Starter Kit)

Papers about you

Social Security lists these documents. (SSA Form SSA-16 information)

• Your birth certificate or other proof of birth
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status, if you were not born in the U.S.
• Military discharge papers, if you served before 1968
• Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for last year

Social Security accepts photocopies of W-2s, tax returns, and medical papers. For most other documents, like a birth certificate, they need to see the original. (SSA)

Your medical information

This is often the biggest part. Social Security asks for: (SSA)

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of the doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers who treated you
• The dates of your visits
• The names and doses of all your medicines
• Medical records you already have
• Lab and test results

The starter kit also asks why you take each medicine and who prescribed it. (Starter Kit)

A tip that helps many people: make one page for each doctor or clinic. Put the name, address, phone, what they treat you for, and your visit dates. Then keep all the pages together.

Your work history

Social Security asks about up to 5 jobs you had in the last 5 years. For each one, list the type of business, the dates you worked, and how much you were paid. (SSA)

If you do not remember exact dates, start with what you know, like the season and year. Old pay stubs, tax returns, or emails can help fill gaps.

A simple way to organize it all

You do not need a fancy system. A binder or an accordion folder works well. Try these sections:

• Personal papers (ID, birth certificate, W-2s)
• Doctors and clinics (one page each)
• Medicine list (name, dose, reason, who prescribed it)
• Work history
• Letters from Social Security
• Call log (date, who you talked to, what they said)

Keep copies of everything you send. Write the date you sent it on the copy.

After you apply: keep it current

Your claim may take time. While you wait, Social Security may ask about new doctors you have seen or new hospital stays. (SSA Starter Kit) Add each new visit to your doctor pages as it happens.

Social Security may also ask you to have a special exam or test. They pay for it, and for some travel costs. (SSA: Special examination) Put the date on a calendar right away and keep the letter in your binder.

If you move or change your phone number, tell Social Security. (SSA: Change your address)

Open every letter from Social Security when it arrives. Some letters have deadlines. If you are not sure what a letter means, call the number on it and ask.

Who to ask for advice

Your doctors are the right people for questions about your health and your records. If your claim is denied or you have legal questions, you may want to talk with a disability attorney or a legal aid office.

How Vita Advocate can help

If sorting all of this feels like too much right now, we can sit down with you, build the binder, keep a calendar of appointments, and track letters and calls. Learn about our disability paperwork and appointment support and our help keeping daily papers in order. Vita Advocate provides non-clinical support and does not offer medical, legal, or financial advice.