How to File for Long Term Disability

The United States Social Security Administration has a mechanism to pay children and adults a monthly financial benefit if they have a long term disability. Filling out an application for this benefit requires following a lengthy multistep process that includes a need for documentation, an interview and medical review.

To initially quality for long term disability, a person must suffer from an illness that blocks the ability to perform substantial work. The condition must have lasted or be expected to last for at least a year or be anticipated to result in the death of the applicant to qualify.

Materials Needed for the Process

Long term disability applications call for documentation to substantiate the claim. Most required documentation focuses on the condition, medical appointments, test results and so on. Other proofs are also required, including residency status and information about family members financially affected by the disability.

The paperwork to gather prior to starting the application process includes:

• Medical information, including all doctor names, addresses and telephone numbers; medical records; patient ID numbers and medications.
• A birth certificate in its original form or a certified copy.  Naturalized citizens are required to show proof of citizenship in the United States or legal residency documentation.
• Tax returns, the previous year’s 1040 and other work-related documentation.
• Workers’ compensation information, if applicable.
• Social Security numbers for the applicant, spouse and any minor children.
• Banking account information.
• An emergency contact name, telephone and address.
• Work history for the last 15 years.

Step 1 – Fill out the Forms

Once information is gathered for a long term disability application, the first step in the process is filling out the forms. This can be achieved online at www.socialsecurity.gov for people age 18 or older. Applications for children must be filed in paper format.

While filling out the paperwork, online or otherwise, it is imperative to be as detailed as possible. Make sure dates for medical testing and appointments are accurate and refer to documentation where necessary.

Step 2 – Submission

After forms for long term disability are properly filled out, submit them to begin the review phase.

Step 3 – The Review

During this period, government representatives will review information, check on medical documentation and may also interview doctors involved in a person’s care. The applicant may be required to undergo more medical examinations at government’s expense. The review period can take between three and five months.

Step 4 – Approval or Denial

Once a review is completed, an applicant will be notified of approval or denial. In the case of the latter, applicants for long term disability benefits can appeal the decision and provide additional documentation as to the nature of their condition and inability to work.

Step 5 – The Waiting Period

If long term disability benefits are approved, a person may face a waiting period. Social Security benefits only pay out after five months of continuous disability. While the actual review process tends to cover the waiting period time, this is not always the case.

When to Talk to a Disability Lawyer

If your application has been denied, or you cannot wait for the often lengthy process, talk to a disability lawyer about building a case that will be completed quickly.