Benefits Planner: Disability | How You Apply 
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. If you are ready to apply now , you can : Complete your application online. Call our toll - free telephone number If you are deaf or hard of hearing , you can call us at TTY Call or visit your local Social Security office. If you wish to help another person apply for disability benefits , please read. 

Information You Need To Apply 
Here is the kind of information you should have : 

Information About You 
Your Social Security number and proof of your age ; Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that took care of you and the dates of your visits ; Names and dosages of all the medications you are taking ; Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers, that you already have in your possession ; Laboratory and test results ; A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did ; and Your most recent W-2 form or , if you were self - employed , a copy of your federal tax return. 

Information About Family Members 
Social Security numbers and proof of age for each family member who may qualify for benefits ; and Proof of marriage , if your spouse is applying for benefits , as well as dates of prior marriages , if applicable. If you don't have all the documents you need , don't delay filing for benefits. We will help you get the information you need. 

More Help For Filing Your Claim 
Our Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Starter kits are available in English or Spanish for adults and children under age 18. The online Application for Benefits also includes links to information that will help you complete the form. 

If Your Application Is Denied 
After we review your application and the information you provided , we may decide you do not meet the qualifications for disability benefits. If you disagree 

user: Please help me get information about social security's disability benefits.

assistant: The first thing you have to know is that you should apply for the disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.

assistant: Do you want to apply now?

user: No, not now.

assistant: Do you have any hearing impairment?

user: I do, yes.

assistant: in that case, you can use our TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

user: Now, about the disability starter kits. Are the kits available in Spanish?

assistant: Yes, the kits are available in English and Spanish, with versions for adults and for children under the age of 18.

user: What are the kits for anyways?

assistant: You can use our Disability Starter Kit to help you get ready for the disability interview or online application.

user: and, what about those that can't get enough credits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

assistant: In case people don't have enough credits for the disability benefits, they could qualify for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they have limited income and resources.

user: How can I appeal a decision if my application gets rejected?

assistant: If your application is denied you have the right to ask us to review your application again and in the notice, you receive from us, that says that you don't qualify, you'll find instructions on how to appeal.