How To Apply

YOUR GUIDE TO APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ONLINEIf you decide to apply for South Carolina Social Security benefits online, you may start your disability claim immediately.  You don’t need to wait for an appointment, you can apply from anywhere you have access to a computer, and you can avoid time-consuming (and perhaps costly!) trips to a Social Security Office.

Steps for Completing a Social Security Benefits Application: 

1)  The first step for ANYONE applying for a Social Security claim is to locate ALL medical records relevant to your claim.  Relevant medical records are those that pertain to your illness or injury dated from one year prior to the date you became disabled until the present.  This includes all tests performed– examples include MRIs, x-rays, blood work, etc.  Your records should include your physician’s treatment notes, information regarding any emergency room visits, and hospital admissions.  If your doctor believes you are disabled, request that she/he provide you with a detailed written report of your condition and how it affects you.

2)  Review the Social Security Disability Checklist.

3)  Fill out the Social Security Benefit Application.

4)  Complete the Adult Disability Report.

5)  Fill out the Authorization to Disclose Information Form and mail or deliver it to your local Social Security Office.

If you would prefer to begin your application for South Carolina Social Security benefits via phone, you can call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213.  The SSA office will mail the appropriate forms and set up an appointment for you to speak with your local SSA office either by phone or in person.

You may also contact the Social Security Office nearest you directly by phone to begin the process.