Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Disability Benefits

Before starting your application, it’s important to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for either SSDI or SSI:

• SSDI: To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for a certain period and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. The amount of work history required depends on your age at the time of your disability.
• SSI: SSI is for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. It’s available to people with disabilities who have low financial means.

Both programs require you to prove that your disability prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documentation

Having the right documentation is crucial for a successful disability application. Before you begin the application process, make sure you have the following ready:

• Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact details.
• Work History: Detailed information about your previous jobs, including the names of employers, dates of employment, and a description of your work duties.
• Medical Records: You’ll need documentation about your disability, including doctor’s notes, lab results, medical tests, and records from hospitals or clinics.
• Treatment Information: A list of any treatments, medications, or surgeries you’ve undergone, along with the names of any specialists who have treated you.

Step 3: Start Your Application Online or In-Person

You can apply for Social Security Disability in Minnesota through several methods:

• Online: The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to apply for both SSDI and SSI online. Visit the SSA’s official website at www.ssa.gov to start the process. The online application is available 24/7, and it's the easiest and fastest way to apply.
• In-Person: If you prefer, you can apply in person at your local SSA office. To find an office near you, visit the SSA’s office locator at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.
• By Phone: You can also apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to start your application over the phone.

Step 4: Complete the Disability Application

Whether you apply online, in person, or by phone, the application process will require you to provide detailed information. Here’s what to expect:

• Personal Information: You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and Social Security number.
• Work History: You will be asked to list all your jobs over the last 15 years. Include job titles, employers, and dates of employment.
• Medical Information: Describe your condition in detail, including when it started, how it affects your ability to work, and any treatments or medications you’ve tried. Be as thorough as possible.
• Income and Financial Information: If applying for SSI, you’ll need to provide information about your income, assets, and resources.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Documents

Once you’ve completed the application, submit it along with all the required documentation. If applying online, the portal will guide you through uploading documents like medical records and work history forms. If you apply in person or by phone, you may need to mail or bring copies of your documents to your local SSA office.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

After you submit your application, the SSA will review your case and determine if you meet their criteria for disability benefits. This process can take several months, so be patient.

• Application Review: The SSA will examine your medical records, work history, and financial information to determine if you meet the qualifications for SSDI or SSI.
• Decision: You’ll receive a decision letter from the SSA detailing whether your application was approved or denied. If approved, you’ll be informed about how much your monthly benefits will be and when they will start.

What to Do If Your Application Is Denied

It’s common for disability applications to be denied, even if you meet the eligibility criteria. If your application is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal the decision. Here are the steps to follow:

• Request a Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeals process. A different SSA representative will review your case and any new information you provide.
• Request a Hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to present your case in person.
• Further Appeals: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council or file a lawsuit in federal court.

Consider Working with a Disability Lawyer in Minnesota

Navigating the Social Security Disability application process can be complicated. While you can apply on your own, working with an experienced disability lawyer can increase your chances of success. A lawyer can:

• Help you gather the necessary medical evidence.
• Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
• Guide you through the appeals process if your claim is denied.

In Minnesota, there are many lawyers who specialize in Social Security Disability  cases, and many of them offer free consultations.