What Information and Paperwork Do I Need?

Understanding Disability Benefits: SSDI and SSI

by Kimberly Read

Paperwork -- complete and well-documented paperwork -- is the key to the success of your disability application. The Disability Report Form (SSA-3368) is the primary form you will need to complete. It consists of nine (9) sections:

1. Information About the Disabled Person
2. Your Illnesses, Injuries or Conditions and How They Affect You
3. Information About Your Work
4. Information About Your Medical Records
5. Medications
6. Tests
7. Education / Training Information
8. Vocational Rehabilitation, Employment, or Other Support Services Information
9. Remarks

The information needed for this report includes your standard personal information such as name, Social Security number, address, date of birth, etc. You will also need the contact information for all of your healthcare providers -- doctors, hospitals, clinics -- and the dates of your visits. You will need to list the names and doses for all your medications. You will be asked to provide a summary of where you’ve worked. All of this information should be documented in as much detail as possible.

You will probably be asked to provide some additional documents. You can expect the following to be requested:

• Birth certificate
• Medical records you already have in your possession
• Medical release forms
• Laboratory and test results
• A copy of your most recent W-2 Form (Wage and Tax Statement) or, if you are self-employed, your federal tax return for the past year

NOTE: The more information you provide, the less time it will take to compile and process your application.

Understanding Disability Benefits – The Series

1. I Can’t Hold a Job! What Do I Do? – Introduction
   
2. What is Disability?
   
3. Do I Qualify for Disability?
   
4. Is Bipolar Disorder a Qualified Condition for Disability?
   
5. How Do I Start My Disability Application?
   
6. What Information and Paperwork Do I Need?
   
7. What Happens with My Application?
   
8. How Long Will It Take to Get Benefits?
   
9. What Benefits Will I Get?
   
10. Who Can Help Me?