Applying for social security disability insurance (SSDI), or Title II, benefits requires a claimant to complete several application forms.

Each form must contain complete and accurate information for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review an application for approval.

Updated versions of each form must be filled out in order for the application to be considered complete. Outdated forms could hold up the approval process.

Social Security Disability FormsThe easiest way to apply for SSDI benefits is to submit an application through the SSA website. 

You can submit an application by clicking Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits (please note that this link will take you directly to the SSA website and that I do not have access to any information you provide to SSA through this link).

If you are unable to complete the online application, there are four forms that must be completed by applicants and submitted to your local Social Security Office.

SSA-16-BK, APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS

This is the primary paper application for disability benefits.

The other forms provide SSA with details related to the information found on this form.

Personal information including name, address, and contact information is provided at the beginning of the form.

A date of onset of disability provides the SSA with a reference point when they are considering whether applicants will be eligible for back pay of benefits if their application is approved.

A brief description of the limitations that are suffered due to a disability should be included on this form.

Additional information can be provided on the Adult Disability Report.

It is important to remember that the Application for Disability Insurance Benefits is the first form that will be evaluated by a disability examiner.

The information on this form must be clear, concise, and completely accurate. Providing inaccurate information to the SSA could result in a denial of benefits.

SSA-3368-BK, ADULT DISABILITY REPORT

Applicants are given a chance to fully explain their condition on this form.

Pain associated with a disability can be detailed in order to give the SSA an idea of how much the pain limits an applicant’s ability to complete work tasks.

It is important to be as specific as possible to ensure that the SSA understands that the applicant cannot reasonably complete the tasks for any job for which the applicant is qualified.

Information related to the applicant’s medical history can be referenced on this form in order to provide proof of the claims of pain and limitations.

SSA-3369-BK, WORK HISTORY REPORT

This form is used to gather detailed information about past jobs that an applicant has had.

Questions related to physical tasks required for these jobs are used to determine whether the applicant is qualified for a job that they can work despite their disability.

Pay rates and the number of hours worked on a regular basis must also be provided on this form to let the SSA know whether an applicant has earned enough credits to be eligible for benefits.

SSA-827-BK, AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

This form is intended to authorize the SSA to obtain medical information about an applicant.

It is important for applicants to understand that they are giving the SSA the right to request medical records that will be used to evaluate whether an applicant is eligible for disability benefits.

Any medical complications that are noted in these records can help the SSA decide whether an applicant is able to reasonably complete job tasks.

Applying for SSDI benefits requires applicants to complete numerous forms, some asking for the same information as others.

It is important for an applicant to make sure that they are completing the current versions of these forms in order to avoid delays in the application process.

I can help with the completion and filing of forms to help ensure you get the benefits you deserve as quickly as possible. Contact me at 985-240-9773 today to get started.

Loyd J. Bourgeois
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Accident, injury, and disability attorney serving Luling, Metairie, New Orleans, and South Louisiana