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 with our decision , you have the right to ask us

user: What can I do if my application for disability benefits is denied?

assistant: We can deny your application if we decide you don't meet the requirements to get the benefits after reviewing your application. But, you have the right to ask for a second review.

user: So if I disagree with your decision I can ask for y application to be reviewed again?

assistant: Yes, and in the notice you receive after getting your application denied, you can see the instructions on how to appeal the decision.

user: and, as a person with hearing problems, do you offer any suitable form of contact?

assistant: yes, we have the toll-free TTY number 1-800-325-0778

user: Can you give me some publications about disability benefits?

assistant: Sure, I recommend you read the publications "Apply Online For Disability Benefits", "Disability Benefits" and "Disability Starter Kit".

user: Thanks. And again, about appealing a denied decision. Is there anything to do if my decision is denied a second time?

assistant: If we decide you don't qualify because you are not disabled according to our rules, you can appeal online.

assistant: Was your application denied?

user: No, I'm just curious, just in case.

user: now, can you tell me about SSI?

assistant: the Supplemental Security Income or SSI it's the option you would get if you didn't manage to get enough Social Security credits to qualify for the disability benefits.