Too many Grand Rapids area clients tell me that they would have applied for SSI or Social Security Disability benefits earlier than they actually did, but did not know how to do it. There are three relatively easy ways to apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration. You may apply for benefits in person, by phone, or online.
Anybody can apply in person by going to their local Social Security Field Office. If you live in the Grand Rapids area, or anywhere in Kent County, Michigan, you can begin the application process by calling the Grand Rapids Field Office at (877) 319-5710, or by calling the Social Security Notional Hotline at (800) 772-1213. Calling Social Security is usually the easiest way to get the ball rolling on your disability application, but navigating the computerized phone menus is somewhat annoying.
You can also apply for benefits online by visiting http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/getservices-apply.htm. From that page, you can pick what type of benefits you are applying for, and at least begin the process. When you apply online, you are making things easier for Social Security, but it often seems more complicated than dealing with a real employee who can guide you through the questions.
I usually suggest that people call Social Security to set up a phone interview as soon as possible. Social Security calls the day you called and asked to apply as your Protected Filing Date, which means that if you call on January 31, but your appointment is not scheduled until February 15, Social Security treats January as your filing date when calculating your past-due benefits.
Here is a list of some of the cities and villages that the Grand Rapids Field Office serves: Cedar Springs, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Lowell, Rockford, Walker, Wyoming, Caledonia, Casnovia, Kent City, Sand Lake, Sparta, Ada, Alaska, Alto, Belmont, Byron Center, Cannonsburg, Cascade, Comstock Park, Cutlerville, Dutton, Forest Hills, and Northview, Michigan.