Certain documents will need to be provided to Social Security when you apply for benefits.  Providing original documents in a timely manner will expedite the process.  Some examples of documents you may need are:

• Your Social Security card
• Your birth certificate
• Your children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers (if applying for them)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status
• Your spouse’s birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits based on your earnings
• Your marriage certificate
• Your military discharge papers
• Your most recent W-2 or tax return

Once documents are gathered, benefits can be applied for in person or online at sss.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits .  Applying for benefits is only the beginning of the process.  Knowing one’s rights along the way is very important to a favorable outcome and as such, you have a right to representation.  For questions related to how to apply for disability or any other issues related to your Social Security Disability claim, please contact us at Hoglund, Chwialkowski, and Mrozik.

by Lyndsey Sharpe