Tulsa Social Security Attorneys on Filing SSI/SSDI Benefits
How to Apply for Social Security Disability in Oklahoma
Are you no longer able to work due to disabilities? If you are struggling
financially, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
may be in your best interest. If you do not qualify for SSDI benefits,
you may be eligible for other programs, such as Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) benefits.
Gaining benefits under SSI or SSDI can be complicated. Unfortunately, the
Social Security Administration (SSA) initially denies the majority of
Oklahoma disability claims due to errors made during the application process.
As a result, our law firm wants to give your case the best chance of success.
We can help you navigate the process more easily.
Call our experienced Tulsa Social Security attorneys now for a free evaluation of your case at
(918) 265-1404.
Filing an Initial Application for Social Security Disability Benefits in Oklahoma
Before the SSA expanded technologically, those wanting to apply for disability
benefits had to either call the agency directly or visit local field offices.
Now, disability claimants have the option of filing their disability claims
online in addition to applying for SSD in person or over the phone.
This first step in how to apply for disability is known as the initial
application for disability benefits. Mistakes made during this stage of
the application process can easily cause a Social Security claim denial.
Some common mistakes to avoid during the initial SSD application process include:
-
Applying for Benefits Too Early: To
qualify for SSD benefits, you must have an impairment or disability that is expected to last for
at least 12 months or result in your death. If you apply for benefits
too soon, such as the day after suffering an injury, it could be much
more difficult to prove that your disability will last long enough to
make you eligible for benefits.
-
Failing to Properly Fill Out Forms: You will need to fill out and submit several forms during the initial application
stage. You should ensure that these forms are
completely filled out, as missing or incorrect information could result in the
denial of your claim.
-
Missing Forms: Similarly, if you fail to file certain required forms entirely, your initial
claim will almost certainly be denied. We recommend that you work with
a knowledgeable attorney at our firm to ensure that you do not miss any
forms or fail to provide sufficient evidence in support of your SSD claim.
-
Not Providing Adequate Medical Information/Records: If you do not obtain and provide sufficient medical evidence to support
your claim, it may be denied. Do NOT assume that the consultative exam
(CE) requested by the SSA will provide enough information to prove that
you have a qualifying disability. In fact, CEs are rarely used on their
own to prove the existence of a disability; instead, they are typically
used in conjunction with other supporting medical evidence.
-
Writing Illegibly: If your case reviewer can’t read your answers, then he/she can’t
really say that you answered that question. Be sure the
answers to questions are neat and preferably typed out.
-
Incorrect Information: If the form asks you for your doctor and you put the wrong name down, then
your case reviewer isn’t going to be able to confirm the medical
diagnosis that proves you have a disability.
Make sure you spell everything correctly and have the proper information
for every question.
-
Missing the Deadline:
You must reply to most forms sent by the SSA within 10 days. That gives you little time to answer everything. If you need more time,
then you have to contact the SSA
immediately and ask for an extension.
-
Contradiction: If you say something in the first part of your application and then contradict
yourself in a later section, the SSA may deny your disability application.
Make sure you have your facts straight before you make conflicting statements.
-
Rejecting Help: If you thought there were a lot of things on this list, then you would
be amazed to find that even more can go wrong on your disability application.
Seeking professional help from a disability attorney could really help
you to get the benefits that you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for
help if your case starts to overwhelm you.
The initial SSD application process involves filing several forms, all
of which must be properly and entirely filled out prior to being submitted.
Some of the forms used by the SSA during this process include:
- Form SSA-16-BK
- Form SSA-3368-BK
- Adult Disability Report
On these forms, the SSA will ask for various information, such as the date
you became unable to work because of your illness, injuries, or condition.
This date is incredibly important as it may allow you to seek back payments
from the time you stopped working.
Other information you may need to provide includes but is not limited to:
- Your name, including your name at birth if different from your current name
- Your date and place of birth
- Your gender
- Your Social Security number
- Whether you have ever used another Social Security number
- Your citizenship status
- Whether you have ever filed for SSD benefits, SSI, or Medicare
- Whether you performed active military service before 1968, as well as the
dates of service if so and whether you are or have been eligible for military
or federal civilian agency benefits
- Your marriage status and spouse’s details if married
- Whether you have received workers’ compensation benefits
Our firm can help you prepare your forms and provide the necessary information
to help avoid issues with your application. To learn more, please reach
out to our Tulsa, OK Social Security Disability application attorneys today.
What Questions Does the SSA Ask When I Apply for SSD?
You will need to provide details about your disabilities, including how
they affect your ability to work. The SSA wants you to provide information
that supports your inability to continue working because of severe functional
limitations. Embellishing or understating your condition on these documents
could result in a denial of your disability claim. You should document
the effects of your disability on your ability to work in a truthful yet
thorough way.
The SSA may request contact information for the medical providers you have
worked with, including addresses and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers,
hospitals, and clinics you have visited, as well as any laboratory and
test results documenting your illness or disabilities.
During the initial disability application stage, you may also be asked
to provide financial information, including tax forms, in addition to
Social Security numbers and proof of age for family members who may also
qualify for benefits.
You can call us at
(918) 265-1404 or fill out the
case review form.
