FILING SSI AND SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION

You are able to file an SSI or SSD application several different ways:

Call 1-800-772-1213 (SSA Hotline) open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM to schedule a phone appointment or an in-person appointment at your local Social Security Field Office.

Online at www.ssa.gov click on “Apply for Disability Benefits”.

Or simplify the process and file with an Advocate from DAWA Disability.

Making sure that all relevant medical documentation is in your file.

Your forms are timely filed.

You are provided Attendance reminders for Consultative Examinations.

Maintaining consistent contact with the Social Security Administration.

And Provide help in speeding up the process by having all your paperwork in order.

We will also help you carefully consider your onset date of disability.Your disability onset date is the date at which you became unable to work as a result of a disabling medical condition. It is important for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine your onset date of disability because it may affect the amount of money you collect or even your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The SSA bases this date on medical records, work history, applicant allegations, and other types of evidence.

Determining Your Onset Date: Factors Considered when determining your onset date:

Allegations of Applicant: Your statement claiming when the disability began is included on the application and on the Disability Report (PDF, Form SSA-3368-BK).

Work History: The local SSA district office will document the claim with respect to the date on which you stopped working via a Work Activity Report (PDF, Form SSA-821-F4 for employees or Form SSA-820-F4 for the self-employed).

Medical and Related Evidence: All available medical records should be submitted. Evidence of a progressing disability will be clearly presented in a person medical file. The evidence will support your disability claim and how it stopped you from working.

For disabilities of a traumatic origin, the onset date is the day of the injury if you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months (continuous) or are expected to die as a result of the traumatic incident. This does not mean that you have to be off work for 12 months before you apply, just that you have to prove that your condition will keep you from working full-time for 12 continuous months.