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: I need help applying for disability benefits.

assistant: If you are disabled, you can apply for disability benefits right away.

assistant: Have you recently become disabled and are ready to apply?

user: Yes, I was injured in an accident and I'm no longer able to work.

assistant: There are many ways that you can apply for benefits including completing an online application or calling our toll free number and applying over the phone.

user: What kind of information will I need to apply for benefits?

assistant: Social Security will need to collect personal information from you to qualify for benefits.

user: What is your toll free number to apply?

assistant: Our toll free number is 1-800-722-1213.

user: What kind of personal information do they need from me?

assistant: You will need to provide your Social Security number and a proof of your age, information about your doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and any clinics that you received care from and the dates, and a list of medications you are taking.

user: I'm hard of hearing. Do you have an alternative phone number for the hearing impaired?

assistant: Yes, we have TTY available for you or if you'd like you can visit your local Social Security office for assistance.