Social Security Disability Application Checklist
Have you decided to file a Social Security Disability Application for benefits? Do you want to ensure that your claim of evidence is complete so you can receive a Social Security approval in months instead of years?
Keep reading to learn how you can file a successful application for disability benefits on your own.
Hello, dear friends, I created a checklist to guide you through the Social Security Disability claim development process. If you have trouble with anything on this checklist, please contact me: helpme@unboundclaims.com or post your question in the comments.
Let's get started!
Step One: Determine Your Eligibility
First, you need to determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits.
- Click here to download our FREE Guide to determine you eligibility.
- If you are not eligible, please revisit the five steps if your condition changes.
- If you are eligible, please proceed to step two.
Step Two: Medical Records
I can hear your thoughts! And, yes, I am going to talk about medical records again. Friends, this is THE most important part of your claim. The medical portion of your claim must be complete to reach a proper determination. You can receive an unfavorable determination on your claim if the medical records are incomplete. The medical records are why most viable claims are denied at the initial level. I know that SSA will request medical records for you — but do not rely on SSA or Disability Determination Services (DDS) to handle the most important part of your claim.
You may think that your file is complete and then you receive a notice that your application was denied. After appealing two denials, you will be shocked to learn — at the hearing — that you only have 4 pages of medical records in your claim of evidence. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that your application for benefits is complete and error-free. The burden of proof rests on your shoulders.
First, you need to make a complete list of your medical providers. You will need this list when you are working on your disability application. Your list should look like this:
Name of the Facility
Medical provider’s name
Specialty (cardiologist, pain management, oncology, etc.)
Address
Phone Number
Fax Number
Dates of treatment (March 2021 - July 2023)
Types of treatment and approximate dates (MRI: July 2023; Blood work: August 2023)
Next, you need to print and complete: SSA-827. You will use this form to request your medical records.
Submit a written medical record request to each of your providers and let them know that the request is for your Social Security Disability application.
To learn more about requesting medical records, please read this blog post.
This would be a perfect time to ask your treating providers to complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) report for your physical and/or mental limitations.
Be sure to keep all the medical records organized and neat! You can keep each provider's records separated with paperclips, envelopes, or folders. Pick one of these options and stick with it.
Pro-Tip: You can simply enter your information on SSA’s electronic forms and questionnaires; then you can save a PDF copy to keep your records organized for future use. Click Here to learn more.
Step Three: Print and sign forms
You need to print, complete, and sign the following forms:
SSA-827 Medical Release: SSA will use this form to update your medical records.
Recent Medical Treatment: SSA will use this form to determine where they need to send medical records requests to evaluate your application for disability benefits.
Claimant’s Medications: This is simply a list of the prescribed and over-the-counter medications that you take daily. You can also list any side effects that you experience.
SSA-3369 Work History Report: SSA will use this form to determine if you are able to return to your past work or if you have work skills that will transfer to other types of work that exists in the national economy.
SSA-3373 Adult Function Report: SSA will use this form to determine your functional limitations. In other words, what you can and cannot do on a daily basis.
Step Four: Submit your online disability application
You received your medical records and you completed your forms — now you are ready to complete your application. If you do not have complete records — go back to step one. This is non-negotiable. You will likely receive a denial if the medical portion of your claim is incomplete.
Please click here to start the online application. The application process can be completed in 1 - 2 hours. If you have a lengthy medical history, then you are looking at 2 hours or longer. You can save your application if you need to take breaks. Be sure that you take a screenshot of your re-entry number so you can pick-up where you left off.
Answer all the questions completely and be sure that your answers are accurate.
Once the application is complete, you will have a chance to review all of your answers; correct errors as needed. Then click the submit tab and your application is submitted.
Make sure to save a copy of your application and save a copy of the cover sheet. You will need the cover sheet to mail your medical records and signed forms to the correct SSA office.
Step Five: Mail everything to SSA and WAIT
First, MAKE COPIES of everything that you submit to the Social Security Administration. Do not skip this step because your records can disappear — then you have to perform step-one and step-three again. Do not allow that to happen. Make copies.
Deliver your cover sheet; your signed and completed forms; and your medical records to the Post Office.
Choose Priority Mail (free envelopes!) for mailing sensitive documents.
Make sure to get a receipt with a tracking number. This is proof that your documents were mailed in a timely manner and can be tracked to the correct SSA office.
Now you will wait for SSA to receive, process, and transfer your claim to Disability Determination Services (DDS).
You will receive letters and notices while you are awaiting a decision — be sure to respond promptly.
Step Six: Receive your disability determination.
It can take a long time to receive a disability determination. But your file was complete and organized so you expedited your decision. Good for you!
If this checklist seems overwhelming — Unbound Disability Claims is here to help. Please schedule a free consultation to determine if you are eligible for our services.
If you receive a denial, please schedule a free consultation. We will review your denial and discuss your options.
Were you approved with your initial application? If so, please share your story in the comments. We all need a little positivity in our lives!
