What do I need to file a Social Security disability or SSI claim?

What do I need to file a Social Security disability or SSI claim?

Q: What Do I Need to File a Disability Claim?

A: The claims process for disability benefits is generally longer than for other types of Social Security benefits. It can take up to six months at each of the disability application and appeal levels. The wait for a hearing has grown as the backlog of cases grows – in many cities it is well over a year. Our office will help you gather this information and file.

To complete the application, you should gather the following information:

  • Your Social Security number;
  • Your birth certificate or other evidence of your date of birth (if you do not have a birth certificate, you may request one from the State where you were born);
  • Your military discharge papers, if you were in the military service;
  • Your spouse’s birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits;
  • Your children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers if they are applying for benefits;
  • Your checking or savings account information, so your benefits can be directly deposited;
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and institutions that treated you and dates of treatment;
  • Names of all medications you are taking;
  • Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers;
  • Laboratory and test results;
  • A summary of where you worked in the past 15 years and the kind of work you did;
  • A copy of your W-2 Form (Wage and Tax Statement), or if you are self-employed, your federal tax return for the past year;
  • Dates of prior marriages if your spouse is applying.

The documents presented as evidence must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. SSA cannot accept uncertified or notarized photocopies as evidence since they cannot verify their authenticity. Do not delay filing for benefits just because you do not have all of the information you need. The Social Security office will be glad to help you.

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits you also need the following:

  • information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord’s name;
  • payroll slips;
  • bank books;
  • insurance policies;
  • car registration;
  • burial fund records;
  • and other information about your income and the things you own.

Client Testimonials

What Clients are Saying

Find out how the clients who trusted us feel about our firm.

I cannot say enough
good about Matthew Grundy and
ALL of his staff.

I contacted his office October 2020, because I had and still am, fighting breast cancer. I had numerous surgeries, still doing chemo, finished radiation and still fighting the fight. They took care of everything and that was such a blessing because I was too sick and weak to do it myself. I would absolutely recommend them and I am so grateful that a friend referred them to me. They were always polite and punctual returning my calls and emails. Don’t go it alone, let them take care of it, reserve your strength to fight for your health.”

— D.S. Kansas City

Dear Matt

I want to take a moment to say I appreciate all you do for clients (me) throughout the SSD process. You provided me top-shelf representation, case knowledge and follow up. Thank you!”

— A.S. Leawood, KS

A friend referred
me to Matt Grundy.
He was amazing!

I felt the weight lift off my shoulders. He was caring and efficient and took over the whole process. He handled all correspondence and was my voice in my hearing. I was ecstatic when Matt got my disability approved. I wish I had started with Matt before I ever filed.”

— W.T. Kansas City

After being denied trying to file on my own
I was fortunate to have Grundy Disability Group
recommended to me.

A short survey and a visit then they took control of my case. This was the best decision I’ve ever made. Matt answered all my questions without hesitation and gave me confidence about my case. I’ve already recommended them to others and will do so gladly. Thank you Matt and his team!”

— W.S. Kansas City

I had a great experience
working with this office.

They are thorough, and get the job done with the least amount of stress on the client as possible. I would recommend them to anyone I know who needs help navigating their SSDI claim. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

— W.W. Kansas City

I’m epileptic and you recently
just helped me get disability.

I just wanted to email you guys and say thank you guys so much! I appreciate your hard work and dedication.! you guys have helped me get my income back since I haven’t been able to work. Now I can pay my bills again and get caught up again that is a relief. thank you guys again so much god bless you and all your families.”

— A.D. Kansas City

Thanks again for
your help on all this.

From the first conversation I had with Susan Frank, whose advice set me on a course to lay the groundwork of a successful claim – months before I hired you. I spoke to a couple of other places before I spoke to her and there was no comparison. The difference between my initial contact with Susan VS the others was a personal connection and actual value in the phone call. It was informative, connected and extremely helpful. This built trust and made my decision to choose your organization easy. My ongoing dealings with you only confirmed my choice. Matt is extremely connected with his clients and communicates promptly and thoughtfully.”

— T.C. Kansas City

To the Law Office of Matthew R. Grundy

I, Delisa Cadenhead, would like to extend my appreciation for the dedicated work I received from your firm. Thank you for standing by me and my case. I hope you and your firm have many blessings. Thank you very much!”

— Delisa Cadenhead

Matt, Regina, Nina, and everyone else that helped work on my disability case:

You were ALL an awesome, cohesive, genuine TEAM and I appreciate all your help!”

— Shannon D. Bonner Springs, KS

Free Consultation

Get Experienced Representation

You're invited to schedule an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your claim for benefits.
We have shown thousands of disabled persons how to win their Social Security claims, and look forward to helping you with your case.
One of our social security disability lawyers will meet with you in Kansas City, Missouri to get you started on your case.

    Helpful Information

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do I apply for Social Security disability?

    Our Social Security disability lawyer in charge of your case will work tirelessly to determine what went wrong. Our Social Security attorneys will then refile your claim, making sure everything is in order. Our Social Security lawyers will not stop until you are successful in claiming the benefits you deserve. Read More

    You have to have been disabled, or expect to be disabled, for at least one year to be eligible. So, if you expect to be out of work for one year or more on account of illness or injury, you should file for Social Security disability benefits. Read More

    To apply for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to complete an application for Social Security Benefits and the Disability Report. You can also print the Disability Report, complete it and return it to your local Social Security office. Read More

    Cases are generally handled on a contingency basis. That means the representative receives a fee only if you win your case. Normally the fee is 25% of your back benefits and must be approved by Social Security. Read More

    You do not have to wait until the workers’ compensation ends, and you should not wait that long. Read More