The Disability Application Check-List: The Phone Interview

When first applying for Social Security Disability benefits you should call your local office and request a phone interview. Yes, you should SPECIFICALLY request the phone interview which should be scheduled two weeks or so after your initial call to SSA.

The following is a check-list of items you should gather together for the phone interview:

Checklist – Adult Disability Interview:

You should have as much of the following information as possible ready for your interview. Keep your appointment, even if you do not have all of the information. We, David W. Magann, P.A., can and will help you get any missing information.

Check off the items below as you get them together for your interview.

1.   Medical Information:

Names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals and clinics.

Patient ID number(s):

Dates seen:

2.  Names(s) of medicine(s) you are taking:

3.  Medical records in your possession.

4.  An original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born in another country, SSA needs proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

5.   If you were in the military service, the original or a certified copy of your military discharge papers (Form DD 214) for all periods of active duty.

6.   If you worked, your W-2 Form from last year, or if you were self-employed, your federal tax return (IRS 1040 and Schedules C and SE).

7.   Workers’ compensation information, including date of injury, claim number and proof of payment amounts.

8.  Social Security Number(s) of your spouse and minor children.

9.  Your checking or savings account number if you have one.

10.   Name, address and phone number of a person who we can contact if we are unable to get in touch with you.

11.   Kinds of jobs and dates you worked in the 15 years before you became unable to work.

The check-list will help you collect the information you need for your interview. You should always default on making the application rather waiting to see if you might get better. Go to www.ssa.gov for more information.