Application
Process Overview 

The Social Security Administration provides a multi-step process for applying and approving disability benefits.

Prior to making your application for disability, Social Security recommends that you gather certain information before starting the formal application process. This information includes basic personal information (such as age, social security number, and marital status), medical treatment providers, names and addresses, and your prior employer’s names and addresses.

For a more in-depth discussion regarding what Social Security may need, please review the information here.​

The Social Security Administration offers several disability programs you may be eligible for. During the application process, you will be asked about what programs you are interested in applying for. For more information about these different programs, please review the information here.

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Once you are ready to formally apply, the Social Security Administration has several ways to make your application, including in person, by phone, or online. To see how to access each option, please review the information here.

When your application is complete, the Social Security Administration appoints an examiner who reviews the information submitted. That examiner may contact you to get more information or even schedule you to be seen by a doctor of their choice. At some point, the examiner will gather enough information to make a decision on your application. This may take several months. Once the decision is made, you will be notified by mail and/or electronically.

If this decision by the examiner is unfavorable, there are many levels of appeals that you can take advantage of. These appeals require you to file more documents with the Social Security Administration, and they must be filed timely. For an overview of the appeals process, please review the information here.

Depending on the type of appeals taken, the process itself may take many months. Some of these steps involve interaction with the Administrative Law Courts. In addition, many of the steps require legal filings within certain deadlines.

 

Your rights and obligations depend on whether you are represented by counsel or you decide to represent yourself. For more information on representation and your right to represent yourself, please review the information here.

Our office has been representing disability clients and the people of the
Gulf Coast for over 20 years. To see how our staff can help you win the
disability benefits you deserve, review what we can do for you today here.