Filing for disability used to be an antiquated process that required you to schedule an appointment with a representative from the Social Security Administration before you could turn in your paper application. However, modern advances have made filing for disability a much faster and effective process. You can request a phone interview if you are unable to go to an office in person. While you can still file in person at a Social Security Administration office if you prefer, you can also apply for Social Security Disability Insurance online. A Columbus Social Security Disability lawyer can walk you through this process and advise you about how to complete your application.

Online Application

The online application begins by going to the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. From there, click on the link “Apply Online for Disability Benefits.” You will then be taken to the application that you can complete on the computer screen. Even if you complete your application for benefits online, you can still ask a representative from your local Social Security Administration office any questions that you have about the application or the progress of your case. You can also contact your local Social Security office to confirm that the office received your online application.

Prepare for an Appeal

Although the online application can help streamline the process, a seasoned Columbus Social Security Disability lawyer can warn you that the disability application process is fraught with many challenges and opportunities to make a mistake that can cause your claim to be denied. Statistics indicate that the majority of applications are originally denied. Sadly, this denial typically comes after an applicant has waited months for an answer. In fact, about seven out of every ten disability applications are denied during the initial application. Fortunately, you have the right to appeal any adverse decision regarding your case. This signifies that an appeal will likely be part of a successful application process. You may have to appear in a hearing in front of an administrative law judge before your application is approved. This is an important step in the process and having an experienced lawyer by your side can exponentially increase your probability of having your application approved.

If you need assistance with filing for disability or if your application has already been denied and you want to appeal the decision, contact a Columbus Social Security Disability lawyer today to receive a complimentary case evaluation.