Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay
Courtesy: Social Security Administration
When a person becomes disabled, it can be a very stressful time in their life. There are many questions and unknowns when you have to transition out of the workforce due to medical issues. While an employer may offer short- or long-term disability assistance, most people faced with a disability will file for benefits with Social Security.
If you are facing life with a disability and don’t know where to start, we encourage you to visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi. You can apply for benefits on our website — it’s the most convenient way. Additionally, you can contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office if you wish to apply for disability benefits. When applying for benefits, you should be prepared to answer a number of questions, including:
• When your conditions became disabling;
• Dates you last worked;
• The names, addresses, phone numbers and dates of visits to your doctors;
• The names of medications that you take and medical tests you have had; and
• Marital information.
Additionally, for people with low income who have not paid enough in Social Security taxes to be covered and who are planning on applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payments, we will ask you questions about:
• Your current living arrangement, including who lives in your home and your household expenses;
• All sources of income for you and your spouse, if applicable; and
The amount of your resources, including bank account balances, vehicles and other investments.
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