What happens after I file my Social Security application?

We are asked all the time: What happens after I file my Social Security application? 

Unfortunately, the process in bound in governmental red tape and can be confusing to say the least.

Here is a brief overview of what takes place after you file your Social Security application:

• Application confirmation – Social Security will mail you a copy of your application to sign. You will have an opportunity to review the application, correct any errors, and send it back to Social Security for processing. You must return the signed application. Social Security will not process your application until they receive your signed confirmation.
• Function report – Social Security will mail you a form called a function report. This form will ask questions about your personal care, meals, house and yard work, getting around, shopping, money, hobbies and interests, social activities, side effects from medication, and other abilities. This form will help Social Security determine what you can and cannot do on a daily basis.
• Work history report – Social Security will mail you a form called a work history report. This form will ask questions about your past jobs, what you did at those jobs, whether you had to sit, stand, walk, lift and carry objects, and supervise people. This form will help Social Security determine whether your current abilities would keep you from doing your past jobs.
• Consultative examination – Social Security may ask you to attend a consultative examination. This examination is free of charge and Social Security will also provide an interpreter free of charge, if necessary. It is very important to attend this examination and to cooperate fully. Social Security may deny you for failing to attend this examination. Depending on your limitations, they may schedule a physical or mental exam, order x-rays, an eye test, or a breathing test. The examination will not be invasive and Social Security will not ask you to undergo any treatment.
• Medical records – Social Security will order your medical records from your treating doctors. It is very important to provide the correct contact information for your treating doctors. Social Security will require a doctor or facility name, address, phone number and dates of treatment. Social Security will then contact your doctors and request the medical records pertaining to your disability claim.
• Earnings information – Social Security may contact you to provide earnings information. If you have worked after becoming disabled, Social Security will ask you to provide dates of work, wages earned, and any special conditions required. Special conditions may include things like extra help, extra supervision, irregular hours, fewer hours, special equipment, additional rest periods, special transportation, easier duties or fewer duties. This information will help Social Security determine whether your work activity will be considered substantial and gainful.

We Can Help

As you can see, the Social Security Disability application process can be long and complex. Our firm understands the process inside and out, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. Let us help you with your application! Call us today at 855-MIKE-WINS.

Content checked by Mike Morse, personal injury attorney with Mike Morse Injury Law Firm. Mike Morse is the founder of Mike Morse Law Firm, the largest personal injury law firm in Michigan. Since being founded in 1995, Mike Morse Law Firm has grown to 150 employees, served 25,000 clients, and collected more than $1 billion for victims of auto, truck and motorcycle accidents. The main office is in Southfield, MI but you can also find us in Detroit, Sterling Heights and many other locations.