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How Do You Apply for Social Security Disability in Oregon?

By November 28, 2020 No Comments

Social Security is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are multiple ways to apply for Social Security programs. Social Security Disability (SSD) provides financial assistance to people with disabilities. Many Oregonians are eligible for SSD payments and may benefit from enrolling.

Who is Eligible?

The SSA requires anyone who applies for SSD to be:

  • Age 18 or older;
  • Unable to work 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 5 of the 10 years just prior to the start of your disability.  (If you do not meet this work requirement, and are disabled, you still may be eligible to apply for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, benefits if you have limited income and assets.)

How Do You Apply for SSD?

To apply for SSD you must complete the Disability Benefit Application and a Medical Release Form and provide documentation verifying your eligibility. These applications may be filled out and submitted to the SSA online 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 dates of divorce or death (if appropriate).
  • Any names and dates of birth of your minor children
  • Any bank or other financial institution’s routing number and account number, if you want the benefits electronically deposited
  • 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 are taking and who prescribed them; and,
    • 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 U.S. military service you had
  • 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 you to provide additional documents to prove your eligibility. Photocopies of W-2s, tax forms, and medical documents may be accepted, but most documents including birth certificates must be original documents.

 

Applying for SSD or appealing a denial can be overwhelming. As a federal program SSD may take time and appeals to process correctly. A 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 and get the benefits you deserve.

Drew L. Johnson

Drew L. Johnson

Drew L. Johnson has been fighting for the rights of Lane County Social Security Disability claimants for more than 40 years. Learn More