Need help with SSA child disability application process - what to do after online form?
Hey everyone, I need some advice on filing for disability benefits for my young child. I've already completed the disability report form online and have a reentry number, but I'm not sure what to do next. Do I need to speak with an agent over the phone or go in person? What documents should I have ready? Any tips on navigating this process would be really helpful!
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Mateo Rodriguez
I've been through this process before. Here's what you need to do: • Call the SSA and let them know you've already filed the online form • Have your child's medical records ready • Bring proof of income and resources • Get a doctor's statement about your child's condition • Be prepared for a long wait time on the phone Good luck! The process can be frustrating, but stay persistent.
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GalaxyGuardian
•This is great advice! I wish I had known all this when I started. The wait times are no joke 😫
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Aisha Abdullah
•Quick question - do you need the doctor's statement before the call or can you get it after?
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Mateo Rodriguez
•You don't need it for the initial call, but you'll want to get it ASAP. It really helps speed up the process.
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Ethan Wilson
ugh, i remember going thru this. its a nightmare. took me like 6 months to get approved. hang in there OP!
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Yuki Tanaka
Has anyone tried going to the SSA office in person? I'm wondering if that might be faster than dealing with the phone system.
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Carmen Diaz
•I tried that last month. Big mistake. Waited 4 hours only to be told I needed to call anyway. 🤦♂️
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Andre Laurent
•It depends on your local office. Mine was actually pretty efficient! Maybe call ahead and ask about wait times?
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AstroAce
Pro tip: I found a way to get someone on the phone without the endless hold times. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://claimyr.com
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Zoe Kyriakidou
•Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Jamal Brown
•idk man, paying to talk to a government agency feels wrong
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AstroAce
•I get the skepticism, but it seriously saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo
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Mei Zhang
Whatever you do, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Every call, every letter, every interaction. You never know when you'll need that info later.
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Liam McConnell
•💯 this! I learned the hard way when they 'lost' my paperwork twice
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Amara Oluwaseyi
Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to make us give up? 🤔
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CosmicCaptain
•Preach! 🙌 It's like swimming upstream in molasses
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Giovanni Rossi
•Tin foil hat time: what if it IS designed that way? 👀
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
Hey OP, don't forget to ask about any state-specific programs too. Some states have additional benefits for kids with disabilities.
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Oliver Schulz
@Nia Thompson - I went through this exact same process last year with my daughter. After you submit the online form, you'll definitely need to call SSA to schedule a phone interview. They'll ask detailed questions about your child's condition and daily activities. One thing that really helped me was creating a daily log of how your child's disability affects their life - keep track for at least a week before the call. Also, gather ALL medical records, school records if applicable, and any therapy reports. The more documentation you have, the smoother the process will be. The phone wait times are brutal, but try calling first thing in the morning (8 AM) for your best chance. Good luck - you've got this! 💪
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