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Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits

To apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, you'll need records of all the doctors you've seen, hospitals you've stayed in, medication that you take, and jobs you've had in the last five years. There are several ways to apply: online, in person, and over the phone. Here's what you need to know, whether you're applying the first time or trying to get your disability benefits back.

Social Security Disability and SSI benefits can vary by state. Click on your state below to find specific information about eligibility, disability determination, application procedures, benefit amounts, and additional resources in your state.

To apply for disability benefits from the federal government, you can either go to your local Social Security office, call 800-772-1213, or file online.

Collecting unemployment benefits is a factor that judges can consider when they’re deciding your disability case.

The Adult Disability Report (ADR) is one of several forms you're required to complete when you file an application for Social Security disability benefits.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a long and frustrating process, but some SSI applicants can qualify for immediate benefits.

It can take years to get a final decision on your application for Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) expedites disability decisions for applicants with terminal illnesses through its Terminal Illness Program (TERI) program.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides expedited processing for medical conditions that are listed in the "Compassionate Allowances List" (CAL).

That call from the Social Security Administration (SSA) asking you to appear for a consultative examination (CE) can bring in both a sense of relief and concern.

Decision times can range from under one month to several years.

Most people who are approved for Social Security disability benefits receive a substantial amount of backpay. Learn how much you might get.

If your Social Security benefits were terminated because you went back to work, you may be able to get them reinstated quickly.

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