Health & Benefits

How to apply for disability benefits?

You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in one of the following ways:

• Call Social Security at 800-772-1213.
• Visit your local SSA office. (Call 800-772-1213 first to make an appointment.)
• Complete an application online if you are an adult Any person 18 years old or over and meet certain requirements. If you apply online, you will need to create a MySSA account.  You can use these guidelines to help you create a MySSA account.  More information can be found on the SSA website.

What information do I need to provide?

You will need to give SSA information about:

• You,
• Your spouse or children (if any),
• Your work and educational history,
• Your medical conditions and treatment, including conditions that affect your ability to function.

You will not be found entitled to SSDI or SSI benefits if you do not get medical treatment and provide proof of that medical treatment. No matter how sick you are, you will need medical evidence Anything used to show that something is true of your condition to be approved for disability benefits. SSA will ask you to fill out a "Disability Report" form. It is very important to provide all of the information requested about all your past and present medical treatment.  SSA will help you get your medical records from your providers, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to get these records and submit them to SSA.  

A checklist of information needed can be found on the SSA website.

How long does it take to be approved?

SSA's disability determination process, for adults or children, can take a long time.

SSA has developed a fast-track application process for diseases or conditions clearly meets SSA's standard for disability. Examples include acute leukemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and pancreatic cancer. A list of these conditions is on the SSA website.

SSA may give you up to six months of SSI benefits right away in severe situations if a final approval is highly likely. Qualifying conditions can be found on the SSA website. Examples include:

• Removal of a leg at the hip
• Total deafness
• Total blindness.

What happens after a decision has been made?

Once a decision has been made on your application, SSA will send you a notice explaining:

• Whether you will receive benefits, 
• The amount of your benefits, if approved,
• A short explanation if you are denied benefits, and
• Information on how to appeal A request to change a court's decision a decision made by SSA.

If you want to appeal the decision, you have 60 days plus five days for mailing to file your appeal.