How Can I Apply for Disability Benefits?

If you have a severe impairment and think you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits, experienced disability attorneys in Augusta, GA can help you navigate the difficult process. The rules governing who qualifies and who doesn’t are complicated and filled with bureaucratic technicalities. To get a better understanding of whether you will qualify for benefits, it is in your best interest to consult disability attorneys in Augusta, GA before proceeding with your application.

If you think you qualify and want to begin the application process, there are three ways to apply for Social Security disability benefits: by phone, online, or in person at your local Social Security office.

By Phone

To complete an application for Social Security disability benefits by phone, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. The representative will give you a date and time that you should expect to receive a call back and have your application taken over the phone. After you apply over the phone, you will be mailed an application to sign and return.

Online

To apply for benefits online, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you cannot submit your application online, though you can complete one of the necessary documents, the Adult Disability and Work History Report, on the website.

In Person

If you want to complete your application in person, you will still need to call 800-772-1213, and a representative will schedule an appointment for you at your local SS office, give you directions, and tell you what you need to bring to your appointment.

Be Truthful

It is important that, no matter how you apply, you provide all the information requested in a truthful, straightforward way. Don’t lie or exaggerate the severity of your disability, but don’t try to understate or minimize it either. Be honest about your impairments and how they affect your life. One of the forms on the application is the Disability Report, which will ask you for information about how your impairment prevents you from performing any work. If you are under the age of 50, you must explain why you cannot do the jobs you have performed in the last 15 years.

Contact Us

Disability attorneys in Augusta, GA know how the SSD system works, as well as which applicants have the best chances of being awarded benefits. Call us for a free consultation.