To increase your odds of being approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you should make sure that you provide as much relevant information as possible. The more information you can give, the more likely you are to be approved in a timely manner.
Many people’s claims are denied the first time. Don’t give up if it happens to you. You can reapply, make sure that you provide as much up-to-date information as you can.
What you’ll need
Look through this list carefully. Take your time while collecting all of this information. Don’t submit your claim until you have provided as much of this information as possible:
- A list of up to five jobs that you held in the 15 years before you became unable to work. Include the dates during which you were employed as well.
- If you have worked recently, provide a list of those jobs as well. This list will demonstrate how your disability has affected your ability to find decent work.
- Contact information for someone who knows about your medical condition.
- Contact information for any doctors, hospitals and clinics that have provided treatment for your condition. If possible, provide your patient ID number too.
- Information about medical tests that you have undergone and who ordered them.
- Information about prescribed medications and who prescribed them.
- If you have an employer, provide a W-2 from the previous year. If you are self-employed, provide a 1040, a Schedule C and a Schedule SE from the previous year.
- Discharge information relating to any active military service.
- The names and birth dates of your spouse and minor children.
- The dates of your marriages and divorces, if any.
If you want your Social Security Disability pay to be directly deposited into your bank account, provide your account number and routing number. Be patient. If your claim is rejected, apply again. Our lawyers can help.