Social Security card

Applying for Social Security Disability can seem overwhelming at times. There are medical forms to fill out, health questions to answer and many other things to keep track of. Make a list of everything you need, and of the doctors that you have to contact. Check these items off the list as you gather them. Do not get overwhelmed, take it one step at a time. Get a folder to put the information in so it will not get lost. A good idea is to make a copy for yourself of everything you have in case the original gets misplaced along the way. The information in this article only applies to the United States.

[edit] Steps

Gather all information you will need (see "Things You'll Need" section).Keep all information together.
Call Social Security to set up an appointment at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online. Make sure to keep your appointment. After initial visit (or phone interview), your information will be passed on and reviewed.
Get your doctor to provide the information. According to the law, social security should ask your doctor for information about your health. If social security does not receive information from your doctor, you may be sent to social security's doctor for exams (a doctor of their choosing at a time of their choosing). These doctors work for social security. These doctors don't know you and often these examiners do not have a medical practice. You are better off using your own doctor and avoiding any potential angst of a foreign doctor examining you and having it potentially ending up in having to sue examiners for medical malpractice if something doesn't work out.
Expect the papers to be be sent along with doctor's report for final review. You will be notified by mail as to their decision.
Be patient. The process can take from a month to a year. There is no way to know how long it will take upfront. They will give you an estimated time (generally not very accurate as to when you will know if it has been approved or denied).
Expect benefits for a determined period and a review. Once you are approved, you will receive benefits for a pre-determined time period (generally anywhere from 18 months to 5 years). After this, a "review" may occur, depending on your diagnosis, which has a lower standard than the initial application process.

[edit] Tips

Social security is a gigantic bureaucracy. Its employees often don't have time to care about you personally. They handle a lot of cases and talk to a lot of people in the course of a day. Be sure to take down their names and when you talked to them and record your impression of the discussions.
Be sure to promptly fill out and return any forms sent to you.
According to the law, social security must' consider your doctor's medical record and opinion before they send you to their doctor.
Make sure to have money for parking!
Consider asking a friend or relative to write a letter with your application specifically describing your disabilities. This often helps in the determination phase.
If applying without a lawyer: Check out several books on disability. They will guide you through process more easily. There are also websites devoted just to supporting the disabled through the application process. Just remember, you do not necessarily have to pay for advice. Many non-profits provide free representations to disabled people trying to get onto social security.

[edit] Warnings

If you are denied, you have 60 days to appeal.
This is a long process. In many cases, it can take as long as 18 to 24 months to have your appeal heard. Some have to appeal or reapply even then. Have alternative means to live off.
Make sure you take your social security card with you!

[edit] Things You'll Need

SS number
Birth certificate
Social security card
Passport
Bank statement
current utility bill
Birth date
Place of birth
Mother's maiden name
Dependents' dates of birth, place of birth, and Social Security number
If married, partner's date of birth, place of birth and social security number
Parent's date of birth, birth place and social security numbers
Exact dates, including dates illness began; dates you went to a doctor; dates you had test; hospitalization dates
Complete work history. Know the dates (at least a year and approximately how long you worked at that place of employment)
Tax forms (w-2)
Bank account number and routing number - have these available
Schooling information can be relevant
Doctors' names and addresses - have these available
All financial and income information