In order to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you can either go to your local social security office to apply in person or you can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov . You should apply for SSD as soon as you become disabled, as the application process can take a long time. If you have a disability that keeps you from working and it is expected to last for at least a year you are in a position to apply for benefits.

When you apply for benefits you should be prepared to submit medical records from your treating doctors, or at least sign a medical release so that social security can collect and review those records. Your claim of disability must be supported by recent medical evidence. It will also be important to provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with information regarding where you worked and the kind of work you were performing prior to becoming disabled.

For the SSA to find that you are disabled, your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities – such as walking, sitting and remembering for at least one year. If your condition is found to be severe, the SSA will then look to see if your condition is on their List of Impairments. This List describes medical conditions that are considered so severe that they automatically mean you are disabled as defined by law. If your medical condition meets a listed impairment the SSA will find you disabled. If not, they will look to see if you are able to do the type of work you did before. If the SSA determines that you are unable to do the types of work you have done in the past, they will then look to see if there is any other type of work you can do. They will look at your medical condition, age, education, past work experience, and skills. If you cannot do other work, the SSA will find that you are disabled.

Please contact the experienced attorneys at Stark & Stark if you have questions about your social security disability appeal.