SSDI: Before You File Your Claim

Whether you are ready to file your claim for disability benefits now, or are preparing for filing for it in the future, there are steps to take before filing for SSDI and/or SSI that will make it more likely your claim will be successful. (If you're preparing for the future, it is worthwhile to read: It's Never Too Early To File A Claim).

If you're not ready yet, it is advisable to start getting prepared. Proper preparation will:

• Speed the process.
• Make it more likely to receive an SSDI award.
• Save you time and energy later when you may not be feeling as well as you do now.

Social Security will determine if all the legal requirements are satisfied for you to be eligible for SSDI and/or SSI. A state agency, generally referred to as DDS, will determine whether you are "disabled." While these agencies are charged with doing the work, you still have the burden of proving you're entitled to SSDI and/or SSI. As a result, it is better that you do as much work as you can before filing, and that you stay on top of the process.

The steps to take before filing for SSDI or SSI that will make it more likely your claim will be successful are:

• Check your Social Security earnings record. You receive one in the mail annually if you are working.  If you do not have your most recent form, or don't usually receive one, click here for information about getting a copy. If the information Social Secuerity has about your work credits is not correct, see: What To Do If Social Security's Record Of Your Earnings Is Not Correct
• Look for a "friendly" office: If you can do it in a short period of time, try to locate a "friendly" office -- one that seems friendly to people with your particular health condition. While all Social Security offices are supposed to be alike, there may be differences. You don't have to file your application at the Social Security office nearest you. You can file in any office. Your local disease specific non-profit organization or friends, or support group members who have gone through a similar situation, may be able to steer you to offices that are better for SSDI claims in general and for people who have survived your health condition in particular. For contact information about Social Security offices, click on www.socialsecurity.gov/regions/regional.html . All you do is type in the zip code in which you're interested.The DDS office that processes your claim is located in your state of residence. You will not have a choice where your medical claim is processed.

For more information, see:

• Check Eligibility Requirements.
  • SSDI: Work Credits: Minimum Required And How To Get More
  • Work Credits For Purposes Of Social Security Disability Insurance: Amount And What Counts  
  • Amount Of Earnings Required Each Year To Earn One Work Credit For SSDI Purposes
  • How To Check On The Number Of Your Work Credits
• Document Your Difficulties At Work.
  • Work Journal
• Document How Your Health Condition Affects Your Activities Of Daily Living.
• Get Your Medical Affairs In Order.
  • How To Keep A Health Journal
• Prepare For A Period Without Income.
• Review Our Overall Tips To Keep In Mind.
• Consider At Least Speaking With A Lawyer Or Other Professional.
• If You Are Between Age 62 And Full Retirement Age
• If You Need Money Immediately
• Tips To Keep In Mind When Filing For SSDI And/Or SSI
  • If Social Security's Record Of Your Earnings Is Not Correct

When you are ready to file your claim, see: SSDI: Applying For Benefits

For an overview of SSDI: click here.

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