Tampa Disability Lawyer Garry Miracle Explains How to Apply for Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to complete an application form in person, via phone, or online so that you can apply for Social Security disability benefits in the way that is most convenient to you.

If you choose the in-person method, you must first call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. The SSA employees who can be reached via that telephone number will be able to schedule your appointment, offer you directions to or the address for your nearest Social Security office, and let you know what paperwork you should bring with you in order to complete the forms.

If you want to apply by phone, as with applying in person, making an appointment by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 is the first step. After talking with a Social Security representative, a date and approximate time for you to expect a phone call from someone at the Social Security office will be arranged. The person who returns your call will help you to complete your application over the phone, and then the application will be mailed to you so that you can sign it. After that, it is your responsibility to return it to the office by mail.

You can also apply for Social Security Disability online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/. While you cannot apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSA’s other disability program) online, you can complete the Adult Disability and Work History Report, which is one of the necessary supporting documents in applying for SSI, on the Internet.

You can explain how your medical impairment keeps you from holding full-time employment on the Disability Report. This is a form that the SSA requests to be completed when your application is submitted. When applying for disability, make sure that you give Social Security all of the information requested on the forms in an up-front and direct way. Ensure that you are being honest and that you are not exaggerating or minimizing your disability.

If you have already applied for disability benefits and have been denied (as most applicants are), an experienced Tampa Social Security attorney can help improve your chances of winning benefits on appeal. Fill out the claim evaluation form on this page to learn more about how Garry Miracle can help.