Basic Personal Identification Documents

You’ll need documents to verify your identity and citizenship status:

• Social Security card (or a record of your number)
• Birth certificate or other proof of birth
• State-issued photo ID or driver’s license
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status (if not born in the U.S.)

Employment and Income Records

These documents help the SSA understand your work history and current income level:

• Recent W-2s or 1099s
• Pay stubs (if you are still working)
• Detailed work history for the last 15 years, including:
• Job titles
• Duties
• Dates of employment
• Hours worked and pay earned

This is especially important for SSDI, which requires work credits based on your earnings.

Medical Documentation

Your disability claim will stand or fall based on the strength of your medical evidence. In Nevada, the SSA uses the same national criteria to assess disability, but the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in Carson City or Las Vegas will evaluate your documents.

Make sure to include:

• Doctor's diagnosis and treatment notes
• Hospital discharge summaries
• Lab results, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
• Mental health records (if applicable)
• Prescription history
• Detailed statements from your treating physicians explaining how your condition prevents you from working

Daily Living and Functional Limitations

You may also be asked to fill out or submit:

• Function Report (SSA-3373) — details how your condition affects your day-to-day life
• Third-party statements from family or friends who can describe your limitations
• Work Activity Report (SSA-821 or SSA-820) — if you’ve done any work since becoming disabled

Additional Documents (As Needed)

Depending on your case, you may also need:

• Marriage or divorce certificates (for certain spousal benefits)
• Military discharge papers (Form DD-214) — if you are a veteran
• Workers’ compensation or insurance claim records