How to apply for Michigan Social Security disability benefits

There are three ways to apply for Michigan Social Security disability benefits. You may apply in person, over the phone, or online.

In-person application

To apply in person, call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number (1-800-722-1213) to schedule an appointment at your local Michigan Social Security disability office. Further, visit https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp for contact information on your local office. When you call to make your appointment, the operator will give you directions to the disability office of your choice and tell you what documentation you need to bring to the appointment.

Telephone application

As with an in-person application, the first step in applying for Michigan disability benefits over the phone is to call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number (1-800-722-1213) to schedule an appointment. The operator will set a date and approximate time for a Social Security representative to call you back and take your application. When your application is complete, it will be mailed to you for your signature.

Online application

To apply for Michigan disability benefits online, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/ and follow the instructions.

Relevant documents

In anticipation of your telephone or in-person meeting, and before you begin the online application process, make an effort to gather the following documents and information that may be needed to complete the required forms:

  • Military service discharge information
  • W-2 form from last year
  • Social Security numbers for your spouse and minor child(ren)
  • Name, address and phone number of a contact person who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your claim
  • Your medical records
  • Your medication records (the names of all medications you are taking and the prescribing doctor; empty medication bottles, if you have them)
  • Types of jobs and dates you worked for your last 5 jobs
  • Information relative to any insurance or workers’ compensation claims you filed

Tips for completing the forms

In addition to your Michigan disability benefits application, you will need to complete a Disability Report and a Work History Report.

Disability Report

This form (SSA-3368-F6) requires you to provide information about your medical condition(s); work activity; education and training; job history; medicines; medical treatment; and vocational rehabilitation, employment or other support services. You can view this form at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-3368.pdf.

The longest section of the Disability Report is Section 8, Medical Treatment. Be as thorough as possible in filling out this section. Try to provide a complete history of the medical treatment you have received for your disabling condition, including the contact information for all doctors, hospitals, clinics and other treating sources; your patient ID numbers; and the dates of treatment.

The most important section of the Disability Report asks you to explain how your condition limits your ability to work. Answer this question in your own words, truthfully and without exaggerating or minimizing. If possible, you should explain why you cannot do your current or most recent job, as well as why you cannot do any job that exists in significant numbers in the economy, considering your age, education and work experience. This is especially true if you are under the age of 50.

Work History Report

The Work History Report (SSA-3369) asks for information about all the jobs you have had in the 15 years before you became unable to work because of your illnesses, injuries, or conditions. You can view this form online at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-3369.pdf.

The Work History form asks for specific information about each job, including the exertional requirements (walking, standing, lifting, carrying, etc.) and non-exertional requirements (e.g., supervisory responsibility). Accuracy is the most important thing to keep in mind when completing this form. Do not overestimate or underestimate the duties of each job. You want your testimony (on the forms you submit to the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, at your administrative hearing) to be consistent. If you give the hearing judge reason to doubt your credibility, you only make it more difficult for the judge to award you Michigan disability benefits.

If you have already applied for Michigan disability benefits and been denied, please fill out the free claim form to the right and I will contact you shortly.

Marc J. Shefman
Social Security disability attorney
E-mail me