How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Nebraska

• 1). Determine your eligibility. Eligibility for disability benefits is based on whether you have worked long enough under Social Security to receive benefits, and how long your disability is expected to last. Generally, if you have a medical condition that is rendering you disabled, and is expected to last more than one year, you should be eligible for disability benefits.
  
  
• 2). Gather your information. To complete your disability benefits application, you will need your medical record information, the names and contact information for your physicians, your tax information, work history summary, birth certificate and social security number.
  
  
• 3). Complete an application for Social Security benefits and the Disability Report. These forms can be completed online (check references section below for web address) or printed and returned to your local Social Security office. If you do not have Internet access, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and complete your application by phone.
  
  
• 4). Wait to hear the decision. Your application will be reviewed by the federal Social Security office. Once reviewed, the application will be sent to Nebraska's Disability Determination Services office in Lincoln. The state office will then contact your doctors, weigh the evidence and make the final determination as to benefits. The approval process can take up to five months to complete.