SSA-561 Form

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Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on March 29, 2023

Are You Retirement Ready?

The SSA-561 form is a document used by the Social Security Administration to learn about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.

With this knowledge, they can determine if you should receive disability benefits. This information is only available for those who have been deemed unable to work.

How to Fill Out the Form

Steps_to_Fill_Out_the_Form
  • Get a copy of the SSA-561 form.
  • Go over it carefully, making sure that you answer every question to the best of your abilities
  • Make multiple copies before sending in your original form.
  • Gather all necessary medical records and documentation.
  • Make an appointment with your local Social Security office.
  • Complete the form in full, and have your doctor sign it if applicable.
  • Mail the form to your local Social Security office.

Why You Need to Fill Out the Form

There are a few reasons why you need to fill out the SSA-561 form:

  • To prove that you are unable to work due to a medical condition.

  • To have your doctor evaluate your medical condition and provide their professional opinion.

  • To keep your disability benefits current.

  • To ensure that you are getting the most accurate and up-to-date information about your medical condition.

When Should You Fill Out This Form?

There is no one answer to this question, as the form should be filled out when it is most relevant to your situation. However, some tips include:

  • If you are not currently receiving disability benefits and feel you cannot work due to a medical condition, you should fill out the SSA-561 form and submit it to your local Social Security office.

  • If you are currently receiving disability benefits and your doctor has told you that your condition has worsened, you should also fill out the SSA-561 form and submit it to your local Social Security office.

  • If you are currently receiving disability benefits and your doctor has told you that your condition has improved, you should also fill out the SSA-561 form and submit it to your local Social Security office.

  • If you are receiving disability benefits due to a medical condition that is judged by Social Security to be permanent, you do not need to complete the SSA-561 form.

How to Appeal SSI and SVB Decisions

If you are not happy with the decision made by Social Security regarding your disability benefits, you have the right to appeal that decision. This process is known as a "Request for Reconsideration."


In order to file a Request for Reconsideration, you will need to complete the SSA-561 form and send it to your local Social Security office.

You will also need to provide any additional information or documentation that supports your case. It is important to remember that you have only 60 days from the date of the decision to file a Request for Reconsideration.

If you do not submit your request within 60 days, you may lose the right to appeal the decision.

The Bottom Line

The SSA-561 form is an important document that can help you prove that you are unable to work due to a medical condition. It is important to fill out the form accurately and provide all necessary information and documentation.

If you are not happy with the decision made by Social Security regarding your disability benefits, you have the right to appeal that decision. The Request for Reconsideration process is described in detail above.

Remember, you have only 60 days from the date of the decision to file a Request for Reconsideration. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to appeal the decision.

SSA-561 Form FAQs

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.

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