How to Apply for Social Security Disability and Reconsiderations
There are three ways to file an application for Social Security disability benefits. An Ohio Social Security disability attorney can help you navigate the process.
Internet. You can complete an application online for a Social Security disability claim (but not an SSI disability claim) at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm.
Telephone. You can start the process by calling an SSA teleservice center at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment for an SSA representative to call you back. During the appointment, the representative will enter your information into a computer. The representative will print and mail you the application, along with other required forms, for your signature.
In person. You can call the SSA and make an appointment to go to a local Social Security office to complete an application.
Note that a lawyer may not sign an application for you, unless a court appoints the lawyer to do so. A lawyer may not electronically sign an application sent online, although a lawyer may assist in filling out the application.
The SSA itself does not determine whether you are disabled at the initial and reconsideration levels. Instead, it arranges for local agents, usually a medical doctor and a layman (a disability examiner), to make the initial disability determination. The SSA then adopts the determination.
You may appeal the initial determination. In most states, the first appeal is called a request for reconsideration. SSA is experimenting with eliminating the reconsideration step.
If you request reconsideration, agents other than those who issued the initial determination will make the new determination. However, don’t get your hopes up. Very few reconsiderations result in a disability determination. If you lose at the reconsideration stage, you may request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
For more advice about your Social Security disability claim, contact Ohio Social Security disability attorney John Aebi.
