I am applying for SSDI for the second time. I went on the government website to apply and now I'm totally confused. It seems much different than the first time I applied in 2009. It would appear that now at this initial stage I only complete 2 sections?? 1) The application, where they ask for name, bank account info, etc. and 2) The adult disability report, where they ask for doctors, hospitals, treatments, and work information, allowing one paragraph at the end for any comments. Is that it for now???

And since it is all done on line now then how am I supposed to elaborate on my answers to any questions. With my first application, I had it all in front of me and I was able to attach additional pages for my answers. Should I print off and fill out the function form, which asks about my daily living, and put it in the mail or do I wait for my case to get assigned to a caseworker? I was prepared for the hours of filling out forms, etc. so when I complete the 2 parts they asked for, it baffled me. Should I fill out the forms I know they will eventually ask for and mail them along with medical release form, which they have asked to be mailed in?

And, I'm not even sure it accepted my application.
When I completed the adult disability form, I was given a confirmation page indicating that it went through and was accepted. With the application, I kept getting a pop-up saying that the information I entered did not match what they have in their system. But I think it also said something about if I have recently applied for social security then they will not ask for the information again. I never gave an electronic signature, which it said they would ask for. I called the number listed and the lady was of absolutely no help. Is it not accepting my application because my case denied by the Appeal Council has not been closed yet? Or is just that they already have my information and so basically I don't need to submit that part again?

Does anyone know the answers to these questions? Thanks for any help... much appreciated.

The application has been shortened. If you insist on applying online you're rather limited. This is addressed in post 13 of the sticky, "Don't Start Your Claim..."

If it didn't go through, it will give you a do over. Remember the first application will be available to your case worker. You have an uphill battle.

It gave me 2 options... 1) Apply on-line or 2) Setup an interview to apply. I guess I figured that at least if I apply on line then I can use my own words to answer their questions.

Why are you indicating an "uphill battle"? Is it because of my denial the first time? I am hopeful that because I am not working at all this time, perhaps my case will actually be based on my condition and medical evidence.

I just read #13; so going forward, any forms that I am asked to fill out via the internet, can I attach a file to them so I can give detailed explanation? It looks like I may end up having to go in there anyway because it still keeps rejecting my application, saying "information you have entered is different than what we have in our system" or something to that effect. I don't get it. And yah, I am probably at the beginning of my "uphill battle", especially since I can't even get the stupid application to go through

Uphill battle because yes, you have already been denied AND because of the work history pattern AND because you are at a disadvantage compared to most 2nd time applicants. If you proceed as if the only reason you weren't successful before is because of the work record, you'll end up lengthening the process...

Usually someone applying for the 2nd time knows what all the issues are why they weren't successful because they've been through the 5 step evaluation. You were cutoff at step one.

Call your local office. NOT the national 800#. See if the online application was accepted or not. If not, ask to have a paper version mailed. I believe that's still available. If you must choose between applying online or in person at the office, I would choose the office. Either way they follow up with additional paperwork.

Have you attempted to find a local non attorney SSDI representative? They often have worked for SS and understand the process and what will be required. They are often willing to help at the initial application stage.