A Primer On Social Security Forms: The Application

Powell Law’s attorneys have represented disability claimants since this type of insurance was first available in 1956. At Powell Law, we effectively assist clients throughout the entire Social Security Disability claims process.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) requires the submission of a long list of paperwork that includes applications, forms, medical records, and financial records. An attorney well-versed in these requirements may provide an essential service in helping an applicant receive approval for his or her claim.

At the heart of a Social Security Disability Claim is the SSA-16, Application Form. This form allows a claimant to apply for benefits under Title II and Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. It contains 28 questions and requires the applicant to sign the form under penalty of perjury. The form also includes a receipt for the applicant’s claim for Social Security Disability benefits. It is important to note that the form also instructs applicants when and how to report changes in circumstances that affect the payment of benefits.

To process an application, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) may ask an applicant to provide documents to prove eligibility, such as:

• Birth certificate or other proof of birth;
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if the applicant was not born in the United States;
• U.S. military discharge paper(s) if the applicant had served in the military service before 1968;
• W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for the year prior to the year of the application;
• An Adult Disability Report that collects information and other vital details about an illness, injury or medical condition, as well as the applicant’s work history;
• Medical evidence including medical records, physician reports, and recent test results already in possession of the applicant;
• Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits received by the applicant.

The SSA accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but it must see the original of any remaining documents, such as a birth certificate. The SSA will return any original materials to applicants.

Applicants should never delay applying for benefits because they do not have all of these documents. Powell Law will help an applicant gather and organize every document necessary for claim approval.

With our vast experience, we help clients collect all of the information necessary to support a disability claim and gain benefit eligibility. Powell Law’s unsurpassed qualifications make it an obvious choice for representation in a disability case in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. Contact Powell Law at call (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE.