The chief resource in this category is the Social Security Handbook, 13th edition. On the Web at http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ handbook/ssa-hbk.htm. Other, more specific SSA bulletins include:
Social Security: What You Need To Know When You Get Disability Benefits (6/96; Pub. No. 05-10153)
Social Security Disability Programs (5/96; Pub. No. 05-10057)
A Guide to Social Security and SSI Disability Benefits for People with HIV Infection (6/95; Pub. No. 05-10020)
How We Decide If You Are Still Disabled (4/96; Pub. No. 05-10053)
How Social Security Can Help with Vocational Rehabilitation (9/94; Pub. No. 05-10050)
Working While Disabled: How We Can Help (1/96; Pub. No. 05-10095)
Red Book on Work Incentives for People with Disabilities (8/95; Pub. No. 64-030)
the SSA website is very helpful and a disability claim can be started online (Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims can not be taken on line). Call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible as this will give you protective filing which is a starting point for eventually receiving benefits. Remember that the criteria for your disability is not whether you have a disability but whether your disability LIMITS YOUR ABILITY TO WORK. Presently, earning more than $980/month ($1000/month in 2010) is considered to be Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) by SSA and for that reason alone you would not qualify (if you have costs associated with performing your job with your disability, these may be deducted from your monthly wage/self-employment earnings).
At your appointment, bring in your birth certificate, latest pay stubs, tax returns, and a photo ID. Bring in any medical evidence that you have including medical providers and their addresses/phones as well as dates that you began seeing the providers and procedures/services they provided. Be prepared to provide prescriptions names and who prescribed them.
If you are filing for SSI, you must also provide evidence of your resources (properties, bank accounts, life insurance, cars, etc. with a maximum of $2000/individual & $3000/couple); income (state welfare, unemployment, interest income etc.); and evidence of your living arrangement (mortgage or lease/rent receipts, and names of all household members).
The more evidence you can bring to your appointment, the faster your claim can be processed and a decision made (usually 4 months). Do not delay coming to an appointment because you are missing some evidence, your claim can be started and you will be given some time to provide additional information.
Good luck!