Social Security is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with multiple ways to apply. Social Security Disability (SSD) provides financial assistance to people with disabilities, and many Oregonians are eligible for SSD payments and may benefit from enrolling.
Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in Oregon?
To be eligible the SSA requires that you be:
- Age 18 or older;
- Unable to work full-time because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death; and,
- In general, have worked for at least five of the ten years just prior to the start of your disability. (If you’re disabled and do not meet this work requirement, you still may be eligible to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if you have limited income and assets.)
How Do You Apply for SSD in Oregon?
To apply, you must complete the Disability Benefit Application and provide documentation verifying your eligibility. You can fill out and submit these applications here.
You can also apply for SSD by calling your local Social Security office. Find your local Social Security office location by searching on the SSA website here.
What Information Do You Need to Provide?
When applying for SSD, the SSA requires a Disability Benefit Application. Applicants must also submit:
- Date and place of birth and Social Security number
- Any name, Social Security number, and date of birth of your current spouse, and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and divorce or death (if appropriate).
- Any names and dates of birth of your minor children
- Any bank or other financial institution routing number and account number (for electronic deposit)
- Detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries, or conditions
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics;
- Names of medicines you’re currently taking, who prescribed them
- Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them.
- The amount of money earned last year and this year
- The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year
- The beginning and ending dates of any active or prior U.S. military service
- A list of the jobs that you had in the 15 years before you became unable to work and the dates you worked at those jobs
- Information about any workers’ compensation, military, governmental, and/or similar benefits you filed for, or intend to file for.
What Documents Do You Need to Provide?
When applying for SSD, the SSA may ask for additional documents to prove your eligibility. They may accept photocopies of W-2s, tax forms, and medical documents, but most identification documents (such as birth certificates) must be original.
Applying for SSD is an overwhelming process, not to mention the following steps if your application is denied. A Social Security Claims lawyer who knows the process and can help you protect your benefits can be helpful. Call the team at Drew L. Johnson, P.C. today at (541) 434-6466 to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.
