If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability, you likely have a long road ahead. Your claim can take anywhere from two months to three years to finally be approved. If you need benefits now and want to increase your chances of being approved, it helps to start your claim out right. Here we will discuss the information Social Security will need to process your claim as quickly as possible.

You have several options regarding the actual application. You can have a face-to-face interview at the Social Security Administration (SSA), interview online, or have someone such as an attorney's office apply for you (although you may still have to do at least a portion of it via mail). You can also telephone the national toll-free number and have them send you the paperwork. For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of each method, see my blog on applying for disability.

If you have an interview at the SSA, be sure to bring:

1. Proof of Social Security number for the applicant(s)

2. Proof of age

3. Work history information for the last 10-15 years

4. W-2 tax form or tax return from the previous year

5. Medical information as far back as you can find, including doctor/clinic/hospital names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates for each visit

6. Treatment notes or medical records--as many as you can get

7. Prescription bottles of medication you currently take

(If you are applying using any other method, numbers 1,2,3,4,and 5 will apply, but 6 will be very helpful.)

The most difficult requirement for many applicants is number 6, and the Social Security Administration will tell you that it is not necessary to gather your own medical records because they can do that for you. What they don't say is that it will likely slow down the processing time of your claim. Those who are prepared with a complete application, including current medical records from all doctors/clinics/hospitals as far back as possible, may have their decision more quickly.

Another thing Social Security won't tell you is that your chances of being approved at this level are low. Unfortunately, even with excellent medical evidence and a great case, most applicants are denied at the initial level. There is little that can be done except to appeal the decision as quickly as possible. From that point, your file goes to the Disability Determination Services for Reconsideration (in most states). Again, your chances of being approved are against you here--if you are denied again, which happens to most applicants, APPEAL. It is at the third level, the hearing level, that you have the greatest chance of success.

Up to that point, if you have submitted all your medical information and have provided everything Social Security has asked for, you should be in great shape. If you want to maximize your chances of being approved at your hearing, you may want to consider talking to a disability attorney. Disability lawyers know exactly what Social Security will focus on, and how to change the focus to your case's strengths. They also do much of the work for you, including gathering medical evidence and other paperwork. It is definitely worth a look.

If you have submitted everything you possibly can and you are still waiting for a decision, remember to keep seeing your doctor. If your claim is denied, Social Security will need current evidence and you will be prepared. Your doctor may also be willing to submit a letter or form with specifics regarding your disability and your inability to work, which will greatly strengthen your case. Check with Social Security about the Residual Functional Capacity Form, or RFC form. If you have a disability attorney, he/she will have a copy of the form as well.

Wherever you are in the process, be patient but proactive in your endeavor. Best of luck.