Optimizing Your Application: What You Need to Know

Filing for SSI disability used to be very different than it is today. Applicants used to have to call the social security office and request an application, and then wait to be interviewed on the phone or in person at a later date.

Today, if you want to file for disability, these options still do exist. Phone interviews are really convenient and most people prefer those over in-person interviews. However, now there is a third option that wasn’t available in previous years. Now, you can file for disability benefits online.

You can start your application right away by going online and filling out a few things. If you also are going to apply for social security disability insurance (SSDI), you can do this online as well. Keep in mind that SSDI is only for workers who have paid social security taxes for the required number of years.

For most of the applicants, the safest way to file for a disability application would be to contact the closest social security office near you and inform them that you wish to apply for disability. Once you do this, an appointment will be scheduled for you to be interviewed. The interview might happen at the social security office or over the phone. If you choose to have a phone interview, then some of the required paperwork will be mailed to your home so you can get started.

When filing for disability, there are several forms you will need to fill out, which will depend on whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI. A social security representative will help you fill them out at the office if you have any questions.

This might seem somewhat overwhelming, but don’t worry, the process is actually very simple. And, if you have any questions, people at the social security office will be able to help you, whether over the phone or in person. Don’t worry–you’ll be able to figure all of this out in no time at all!

To apply for SSDI, you’ll need to fill out form SSA-16-BK, and form SSA-3368-BK. To apply for SSI, you’ll need to fill out form SSA-8000-BK, plus forms SSA-3368-BK and form SSA-3820-BK. You can learn more about the disability forms you will need on the social security office website.