The social security administrations application process is very time consuming. The applications must be completed in an orderly way and they also must have the correct information i.e. doctors information, work history, proper telephone numbers, correct adresses, etc… All of this information is then compiled by the social security administration and a decision is made on whether or not you are entitled to benefits.

Below you will find a detailed description of the application process and also some tips to help you complete the described forms out correctly.

Most of the forms described below can be downloaded from the “Social Security Forms” page.

However, it may be a wise choice to consult with a Social Security Disability lawyer before attempting to file for disability benefits on your own.  To have your claim reviewed by a social security attorney complete the free consultation form to the left. 

Stage I: Original Claim:
The Original Claim is the first stage of the application process. Below you will find some of the forms that must be included in the Original Claim.

The Application for Disability Insurance Benefits Form, also known as SSA form 5328, asks a series of questions that relate to your social security number, prior military service, employment history, pensions, taxable earnings, marriage history, dependent children, and several other topics. This form allows the Social Security Administration to get to know you and allows them to compile information about you.

The Adult Disability Report, also known as SSA form 3368, asks a series of questions that relate to your physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Some areas that are covered in the report pertain to your height, weight, Medicaid, when and why you stopped working, employment history, Address and telephone numbers of Doctors, Hospitals, Employers, prescription drugs that you take, where and when certain medical tests took place, and educational history. This form also allows the Social Security Administration to get to know you but it does so in a much more informative way.

The Medical Release Form, also known as SSA form 827, is a form that must be included in your application. You are usually required to fill out four or five of these forms, depending on how many doctors you have seen. This form allows the Social Security Administration to request your medical records from all of your Doctors and hospitals. This form is very important because your medical records are what your claim is based on.

The Appointment of Representation Form, also known as SSA form 1696, is required by the Social Security Administration to be submitted with your application when someone such as a lawyer represents you in your claim. This form allows your attorney to act on your behalf and also to obtain information about you from the Social Security Administration. When this form is filed your attorney receives all correspondence and notifications about your claim. This is important because your attorney can immediately advise you on what to do, and help you obtain benefits faster. 

All of these forms must be completed properly. As you can probably imagine the Social Security Administration receives millions of applications each year and this leaves little room for error. Many applications get denied just because a date was missed or a doctor’s correct address was not known. Some applications can also be denied if the forms cannot be read due to poor penmanship.

Stage II: Request For Reconsideration:
After a claimant is denied their original claim they must apply for a Request for Reconsideration. This application must be completed within a certain amount of time after the Original Claim is denied, usually 60 days unless special circumstances exist. What this application is doing is asking the social security administration to reconsider your claim. Below you will find some of the forms that must be included in your Request for Reconsideration.

The Request for Reconsideration form, also known as SSA form 561, is a form that includes all of your contact information such as address, social security number, your attorneys information, why you feel the social security administration made a wrongful decision on your original claim, and whether or not the request for reconsideration was filed on time.

The Reconsideration Disability Report, also known as SSA form 3441, is a form that updates all of your medical information that you listed on your original claim. Some areas that are covered are all of your contact information, all new medical information, an update on your condition and whether or not it has worsened or become better, and whether or not you have worked since you filed your claim.

The Medical Release Form, also known as SSA form 827, is a form that must be included in your Request for Reconsideration. You are usually required to fill out four or five of these forms, depending on how many doctors you have seen. This form allows the Social Security Administration to request your medical records from all of your doctors and it allows them to update the ones that they already have. This form is very important because your medical records are what your claim is based on.

If an attorney did not represent you in your Original Claim then the Appointment of Representation Form, also known as SSA form 1696, is required by the Social Security Administration to be submitted with your application when someone such as a lawyer is representing you in your claim. This form allows your attorney to act on your behalf and also to obtain information about you from the Social Security Administration. When this form is filed your attorney receives all correspondence and notifications about your claim. This is important because your attorney can immediately advise you on what to do and help you obtain benefits faster.
 
Stage III: Request for Hearing:
Like every other stage of the social security disability insurance application process the Request for Hearing stage must be completed before your deadline to submit it expires, usually within 60 days unless special circumstances exist.  When you apply for a hearing you are asking the social security administration to allow you to go before an administrative law judge and have the judge review your claim. It would be very unwise of a person to request a hearing and not have a lawyer represent them before the administrative law judge. When you apply for a hearing you must submit the following forms:

The Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge form, also known as SSA form 501, is a form that includes all of your information such as address, Social Security number, your attorney’s information, why you feel that the Social Security Administration made a wrongful decision on your Request for Reconsideration, and also what new evidence you have to submit. This form is very similar to the Request for Reconsideration form.

The Hearing Disability Report, also known as SSA form 4486, is a form that updates your Social Security Administration records. Some areas that are covered in this form are all of your contact information, all new medical information, an update on your condition and whether or not it has worsened or become better, and whether or not you have worked since you filed your claim. This form is very similar to the Reconsideration Disability Report.

The Medical Release Form, also known as SSA form 827, is a form that must be included in your Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge. You are usually required to fill out four or five of these forms, depending on how many doctors you have seen. This form allows the Social Security Administration to request your medical records from all of your doctors and it allows them to update the ones that they already have. This form is very important because your medical records are what your claim is based on.

If an attorney did not represent you in your Request for Reconsideration then the Appointment of Representation Form, also known as SSA form 1696, is required by the Social Security Administration to be submitted with your application when someone such as a lawyer is representing you in your claim. This form allows your attorney to act on your behalf and also to obtain information about you from the Social Security Administration. When this form is filed your attorney receives all correspondence and notifications about your claim. This is important because your attorney can immediately advise you on what to do, and help you obtain benefits faster.

When you go before an Administrative Law Judge a Vocational Disability Examiner and a Doctor will also be present in the courtroom. The Vocational Disability Examiner will look at your record and inform the judge about your work history and whether or not you can perform other jobs. A lawyer can also come up with arguments against the Vocational Disability Examiners suggestions.

The Doctor will also review your claim and inform the judge about your medical condition and whether or not he feels you are truly disabled. Your Lawyer can also come up with arguments against or approving the Doctors suggestions.

Each stage of the Social Security Disability Insurance Application Process usually takes on average about four to five months to be reviewed by the Social Security Administration. As you can see the whole application process, especially the hearing, is very complicated. This is why most people who apply for benefits and do not have an attorney are denied.

Stage IV: Federal Appeal:
If the Appeals Council denies the request for review or issues an unfavorable decision, a claimant may file a civil action in U.S. District Court within 60 days after the claimant receives notice of the Council’s action in the case. The Social Security Office of Hearings and Appeals prepares the certified record for the Courts in such cases.

The civil action is filed in the district court of the United States for the judicial district in which you reside or where you have your principal place of business. If you do not reside within any such judicial district or if you do not have your principal place of business within any such judicial district, the civil action must be filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. There is a charge for filing a civil action in Federal court. This is the last level of the appeals process.