What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Social Security Disability?

The process of filing a disability application is detailed and inflexible, with several documents involved throughout. The documents you need to apply for Social Security disability benefits typically fall under the following categories:

• Medical documents
• Proof of citizenship
• Evidence of a solid work history
• Forms showing military history if applicable
• Proof of receiving workers’ compensation benefits if applicable

If you don’t submit the right documents to the Social Security Administration, they could deny your application. It can also make the claim review process take much longer.

These rules and guidelines exist because of the sheer volume of applications the SSA receives and processes every year.

The best way to guarantee starting strong is by hiring a Social Security disability attorney. They know the ins-and-outs of applying for Social Security disability, and they can help you organize your mountain of documentation.

Submit Your Documents Through Your Online SSA Account

The first thing you should do is create an online account to store your documents, called a my Social Security Account.

You can check your application status and alter crucial info associated with your claim through your my Social Security account, such as:

• Verifying your future earnings
• Securing a Social Security statement
• Changing your address

The documents you need to apply for Social Security disability should go through your account to help you check your application status.

Once you’re approved for benefits, you can print crucial documents using your my Social Security account like your benefit verification letter.

Documents You’ll Need for Your Disability Application

The documents you need to apply for disability fall under these broader categories:

• Proof of citizenship
• Proof of employment
• Marital records
• Military documents
• Medical papers

Some documents must be original copies to be valid for your SSD application. In those cases, the SSA will return those originals to you once they process your disability application.

Here is a comprehensive list of required documents that apply to everyone:

1. Form SSA-3368-BK, or your Adult Disability Report. This form includes information such as your work history, illnesses, education, and more. This works as a summary for the rest of your required documents.
2. Your birth certificate. You must submit the original document; the SSA will not accept photocopies.
3. Your Social Security card or number to prove your citizenship and age.
4. If you were born outside of the United States, you must provide original documents proving you’re a naturalized citizen.
5. Copies of your most recent W-2 forms. You can also submit copies of your income tax return for the past year if you’re self-employed.
6. Your current banking information, if you want your payments direct-deposited into your account. This could be a voided check or a letter from your bank that includes both your routing and account numbers.

Optional Documents for Your Social Security Disability Application

You may need to also submit these documents along with your disability application, if they apply:

1. Did you serve in the military before 1968? If yes, then you must provide original military discharge papers.
2. Have you received any worker’s compensation benefits? If yes, then you must submit any award letters, settlement agreements, pay stubs, or any other documentation related to those claims.
3. Are you married and/or do you have any children? If so, you must submit that documentation. This includes marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), death certificate(s) and children’s birth certificate(s). Remember that these must be originals; the SSA won’t accept any photocopies.

Questions the SSA Might Ask After Submitting Your Application

The SSA might ask you follow-up questions about any or all of the documents you provide. They might also ask you the following questions:

• Has anyone else ever filed for benefits on your behalf?
• Have you ever used another Social Security number?
• Were you or your spouse ever employed by the railroad industry?
• Did you ever earn any Social Security credits under another country’s system?
• Do you have any unsatisfied felony or arrest records for escape from custody, flight to avoid prosecution or confinement, or flight-escape?

These are just a few of the possible questions they might ask you. For a more comprehensive list, see the SSA’s website here.

An Easier Way to Apply: Consult a Disability Lawyer

If all this sounds like a hassle, there’s an easier way to file your disability application: Going through an attorney. Those who apply with legal assistance are nearly 3x more likely to secure disability benefits than those who apply on their own.

Ready to see if you may qualify? Complete your free online SSD benefits evaluation now!