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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Print the following list to be sure you take everything you need to the interview.

Take as much of the following as you can gather before the interview. Social Security will help you gather the rest. (For a complete list of documents Social Security requires, and why, see Documents To Take To The Interview.) [If you could possibly qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because your income is limited and you have (or could have) few resources other than a residence and car, see Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and How To Apply For Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security representatives are supposed to check to see if you qualify for both programs when you apply for either one. If you take the additional information needed for SSI with you, you will speed the process.]

Items Required by Social Security to Complete An Application for SSDI:

  • Proof of Birth
    • If you were born in the USA, Social Security requires an original or state-certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were not born in the USA, in addition to an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, Social Security will accept other childhood identification such as a baptismal certificate or grade school records that show your date of birth.
    • If you don't have a certified copy of your birth certificate, you can contact the hospital at which you were born and request a certified copy. You may also request a certified copy from the Department of Records/Vital Statistics in the state where you were born, but it may take some time to receive.
  • W-2 forms or tax returns
  • Military Discharge Papers
    • Form DD-214 if appropriate
  • Workers' Compensation Information (if you are applying for or receiving Workers' Compensation benefits)
  • Checking or Savings Account Number
  • Social Security card or number for each person who could be entitled to benefits, or the person on whose work credits you rely.
    • Social Security prefers to see a Social Security card, but will generally accept the number. This is one of the areas where Social Security offices vary in procedure. Some offices will demand to see a Social Security card. Others will accept the number you give which can be verified in their computers.
    • If you have worked under more than one Social Security number, take proof of all the numbers you've used. Proof can consist of paycheck stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, and similar documents.
  • State Disability check stubs
  • If You Are Not A Citizen: Proof of residence status
  • If you are filing as a spouse or step child: Marriage license or proof of child support if you are applying as a step child
  • Contact information for a person who knows about the impact of your health condition
Items To Help Maximize Your Chances For A Speedier "Yes" -- all of which relate to proof of your medical condition.