Charlotte Office 704-815-6055
Asheville Office 828-252-2852
Social Security Disability Self Help for First-time Applicants
Applying for and receiving Social Security Disability Benefits is a multi-step process. Here at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we handle Social Security Disability cases from the point of first denial. Essentially we are appellate lawyers. We help Social Security Disability applicants who have been denied benefits to seek reconsideration and have their matter heard by a judge. Though rare, some disability applicants are approved at their first application. This page is meant to be a roadmap of how the system works through the point of your first denial, and what you can expect from there.
In the vast majority of cases, acquiring Social Security Disability benefits is a three-part process, with each part having multiple steps. Essentially the three parts are application, followed by a first and then second appeal. Those three steps are more completely described below in “The Claim Process” Section of this page.
Social Security Disability is a national disability insurance funded by your tax payments.
Supplemental Security Income is a national insurance that is based on income. You may qualify for SSI while you are applying for disability.
Preparing to File Your Claim
Preparation and organization are key factors in helping applicants maintain focus. We suggest creating a reference folder that includes things the Social Security interviewer will want to know, and things that will need to be included in the forms you must complete. Having the following information handy will be beneficial to you while applying for Social Security Benefits.
Creating A Reference Folder. While your Social Security interviewer will provide you a list, you will want to have the following items on hand, both for the initial telephone conversation and personal interview, if required. You should put these items together before starting your initial application and to maintain copies of this information in a file with your Social Security Disability correspondence. You will be asked for this same information several different times during your application process. Click the tabs below to get specific lists about what your folder should include, including personal information about you, information about your work, and information about your medical care. The more organized you are the less stressful the process is apt to be.
Things to add to your SSD Folder
About You
Information Pertinent to Your History
- Your date and place of birth and Social Security number
- The name, Social Security number and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse.
- Names and dates of birth of your minor children
- Your bank or other financial institution’s Routing Transit Number [more info] and the account number, if you want the benefits electronically deposited
About Your Work
Make Notes and Organize Information About Your Work:
- The amount of money earned last year and this year
- The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year
- A copy of your Social Security Statement
- The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service you had before 1968
- A list of the jobs (up to 5) that you had in the 15 years before you became unable to work and the dates you worked at those jobs
- Information about any workers’ compensation, black lung, and/or similar benefits you filed, or intend to file for. These benefits can:
- Be temporary or permanent in nature;
- Include annuities and lump sum payments that you received in the past;
- Be paid by your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier, private agencies, or Federal, State or other government or public agencies; and
- Be referred to as:
- Workers’ Compensation;
- Black Lung Benefits;
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation;
- Civil Service (Disability) Retirement;
- Federal Employees’ Retirement;
- Federal Employees’ Compensation;
- State or local government disability insurance benefits; or
- Disability benefits from the military (This includes military retirement pensions based on disability but not Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits.)
About Your Medical Condition
Keep this information handy for multiple reasons:
- Name, address and phone number of someone we can contact who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your application
- Detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries or conditions:
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals and clinics;
- Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them; and
- Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them.
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Greensboro, NC 27408
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