How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI?

There are 3 ways to apply for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits in Florida.

• On the web.  Social Security’s online application can be found at the Social Security Administration’s website.
  

  The Best Way to Apply for Social Security Disability Is Online

  You can complete the Social Security application, as well as other forms called the Social Security Adult Disability and Work History Report online.  This is by far the simplest way to apply for disability benefits, and you never have to leave your house to do it.

• By phone.  If you call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, they will schedule an appointment to call you back to do your application.  You do not have to leave your house, but it will take longer than applying online.  The other problem with it is that you depend on the person on the phone to correctly write down what you tell them on the phone.
• Go to a Social Security office.  When you get there, just tell them you are there to apply for Social Security disability or SSI benefits. To find the closest Social Security office to your home, use Social Security’s zip code office locater on the SSA website.  This may take you a while, particularly if you show up on the wrong day of the month at the SSA office.

There are many different conditions that can cause disability.  If you are wondering how to apply for disability with Social Security, you have to pick from the 3 ways listed above.  You can probably do it yourself without causing any problems, but you can hire an attorney to help you apply for Social Security Disability.   Hiring an attorney can help you, as well as taking some of the stress out of the process.  Not all law firms will help you, but my firm is happy to help disabled people apply for Social Security Disability and SSI if they sign up as a client.  If you are in Florida and would like a free consultation about your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case, please call me – Florida Social Security Disability Attorney John Tucker – at one of the following numbers:

• Clearwater or St. Petersburg:   (727) 572-5000
• Tampa:   (813) 594-5000
• Florida Toll Free:   (866) 282-5260

If you hire an attorney to help you, remember that most attorneys handle Social Security Disability cases on a contingency fee basis.  That means that while you may have to pay for the advanced costs on your case (paying for medical records, for example), you don’t have to pay any attorney fees (for your attorney’s services) unless you win your case, and the fee is a percentage of past due benefits Social Security pays you.  Any attorney you call should give you a free consultation and discuss how to apply for disability with you.