The forms, in plain words.
Every official form below opens on Social Security's own site, so you always get the current version. Our Answer Guide follows the same order the forms do.
Doctor's statement about your limits
A one-page form your doctor can fill in: how long you can sit, stand and walk, how much you can lift, and how your condition affects concentration and attendance. Print it and take it to your next visit.
Open the printable form →SSDI and SSI — what's the difference?
One is insurance you paid into through work; the other is for people with a disability and limited income and savings. Many people qualify for one, some for both.
Read the explainer →What to bring when you apply
Your Answer Guide ends with a bring-list that changes by program — ID, birth certificate, doctors and medicines, and for SSI your bank statements, lease and proof of income.
Open my Answer Guide →How to apply
Online for SSDI; for SSI most people apply by phone appointment at 1-800-772-1213. If you call to make an appointment, keep it and file, Social Security may use the date of your call as your filing date.
Social Security's own page on applyingOfficial Social Security forms
Forms marked part of the application are usually filled in with Social Security when you apply — you don't send them on their own.
Every disability claim
- SSA-3368-BK · part of the applicationDisability Report — Adult
The main medical form: your conditions, doctors, medicines, tests and work. Our Answer Guide follows the same order so you can copy from it.
Open on ssa.gov - SSA-3369-BKWork History Report
Your jobs over the last 15 years and what each one physically required — lifting, standing, walking, sitting.
Open on ssa.gov - SSA-3373-BKFunction Report — Adult
How your conditions affect a normal day: personal care, meals, chores, getting around, concentration. Often the most important form.
Open on ssa.gov - SSA-827 · part of the applicationAuthorization to Disclose Information to SSA
The medical release. You sign it when you apply so Social Security can request your records itself.
Open on ssa.gov - SSA-795Statement of Claimant or Other Persons
A blank statement form. Useful when someone who knows you well (family, a former boss) wants to describe what they've seen.
Open on ssa.gov
SSDI
- SSA-16 · part of the applicationApplication for Disability Insurance Benefits
The SSDI application itself. Online or by phone, Social Security fills this in with you — the paper form is for reference.
Open on ssa.gov
SSI
- SSA-8001-BK · part of the applicationApplication for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI application: living arrangement, resources (savings and things you own) and income. Our Money & Household chapter prepares these answers.
Open on ssa.gov
If you're denied
- SSA-561Request for Reconsideration
The first appeal after a denial. Usually filed within 60 days of the decision letter.
Open on ssa.gov - SSA-3441-BKDisability Report — Appeal
Goes with an appeal: what has changed in your health, treatment and work since you last reported.
Open on ssa.gov
If you appoint a representative
- SSA-1696Claimant's Appointment of a Representative
Only if you appoint an advocate or attorney. It tells Social Security who may speak for you.
Open on ssa.gov
New Life Disability is a private company and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Social Security services are always free at ssa.gov and 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).