5 Steps to Make Applying for Disability Easier
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 26, 2025
In a previous post, we explained how you can apply online for Social Security Disability Programs. If someone you know has a serious medical condition, they may need some assistance applying for our programs. You can help make the online application process easier for them to navigate. Just follow these 5 steps.
Step 1
Review our People Helping Others webpage to learn about our 2 disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on a worker’s earnings.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for adults and children with disabilities or blindness, and people 65 and older, who have limited income and few resources.
Our definition of disability is the same for both programs: Adults must have a medical condition that prevents them from working and is expected to last at least 1 year or result in death.
Step 2
Encourage the adult you’re helping to sign in to their personal my Social Security account to determine if they are eligible for SSDI benefits. The person can also review their Social Security Statement for an estimated benefit amount if they are eligible based on their work history. If they don’t have a free and secure my Social Security account, you can help them create one, but you cannot create it for them.
Step 3
You may want to review and print the adult Disability Starter Kit to prepare for the online application process. Our checklist and worksheet will help you gather the information we need.
Step 4
Watch our online video series. These short videos will walk you through the third-party disability application and the required forms.
Step 5
Apply using our convenient online application. It has start-and-stop capability. Adults can apply for SSDI or SSI only. Or, in many cases, they can apply for both programs using the same application.
Before you begin, you must answer the question: Who is completing the application? You have 2 options:
- If you plan to be with the person while you help them, select I am applying for myself. That means they can electronically sign the completed application if they have a personal my Social Security account.
- If the person is not with you or is unable to create or sign in to their account, select I am helping someone who is not with me.
If you choose the second option, we’ll send the application and SSA-827 (medical release) to the person. You can mail the signed forms or drop them off at a local Social Security office. Without these required forms, we cannot process the application and make a medical decision.
What’s next?
We’ll review the application and the person’s work activities to make sure they meet some basic requirements. If they do, we’ll send their case to the State Disability Determination Services to make a decision. It generally takes 6 to 8 months for a decision. You can help someone check their application status online so they don’t have to call us.
Once a determination is made, we’ll mail a letter to let the person know whether we approved or denied their application. If they don’t agree with our decision, you can help them appeal online.
Please share these 5 steps with others who may want to help someone apply for disability – and post on social media.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: social security disability benefits, SSI
See CommentsAbout the Author
Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration
Comments
Leave a Comment
Please review our Comment Policy before leaving a comment. For your safety, please do not post Personally Identifiable Information (such as your Social Security Number, address, phone number, email address, bank account number, or birthdate) on our blog.
kaostogel l.
This explanation demonstrates excellent organization and clarity
https://trunganhmedia.com/
kaosterang
I was wondering if you could let me know which hosting company you’re currently using. I’ve tested your website across several browsers, and it performs exceptionally well. Could you recommend a dependable and reasonably priced hosting provider? Thank you in advance for your help!
https://tuvangiatlamrdung.com/wp-content/pragmatic/
Ruth A.
Please post under your process on the public website the fact that the assignment to a DDS adjudicator will vary significantly by state. It will help applicants to better plan for the extended wait time. Under the personal online account, SSA currently quotes the estimate of the whole process at about 230 days whereas it states in the state of Georgia the average time is over 400 days. I am currently at 551 days at Step 5 waiting on the letter of approval.
Ruth A.
One additional note: In Georgia It took 13 months to be assigned to a DDS adjudicator, then the medical approval process an additional 5 months.
Jennifer M.
i had to apply over the phone for survivor benefits and there are numerous errors and its incomplete . i have tried to get it corrected and completed but its still wrong ..my sdjudicators have been incompetent and have not followed policy or procedure
Mari M.
Needed an in-person appointment to apply for Social Security Retirement (Turned 62 yrs old last month). Had to wait 120 minutes & missed it since an urgent physical medical condition I have needed attention, while I was waiting. Please help…
Suffered anxiety and panic attacks – the whole process is confusing and my learning disability condition made it worse! Online didn’t provide complete details to answers my specific questions. I was over overwhelmed since; can’t talk to anyone just to explain in plain simple language to me
Idious
I’m experience a very similar situation with SSA
Hongwei G.
It’s almost 11 months after I filed SSDI, and comply all the medical exam requirements required by SSA / OTDA, and provided whatever I could submitted from various doctors. Still waiting. Last weeks I went to SSA office 11354 ( queens) the staff it’s the rudest coolest unprofessional ppl ever I met in my life time. She scald to me said. Why you are here today ??? I said I need a follow up and progress of my case. She said “ pending “ you no need come. And refused me to present any further documents wanna through me out. The attitude worsen than treated any human being.
That our federal government agency.
Do some real work please
Stop play god or condescending
My chronic complication it’s growing and I just cannot functional to do anything and deeply drowning for fanatical hardship please HELP
Lori E.
I am wondering if I begin collecting my percentage of my ex husband’s social security now but then decide to remarry , what happens, will that be stopped then?
bayitoto
informasi tertata rapi dan bagus, untuk yang pada suka informasi angka menarik , silahkan cek di sini bayitoto setiap hari update terus loh dan bermanfaat sekali
Lynda W.
If I apply for disability and it takes 8 months to get an answer how can you say that you are getting faster . My husband died a year ago that cut my income in half. We both making within a few dollars a month. I sold my house and moved but does anybody honestly believe that anyone can pay rent and utilities on $2000 a month. I am trying to get stronger and able to walk and sit up again but I’m having to do it on my own because my co pay was forty dollars per week. I can’t afford that. My utilities are over $600 per month in the summer. You think we can justify it by saying it averages out to less. How does that help me make my month bills. I once was pretty wealthy with lots of money for retirement but my husband made a bad business investment and we lost our ass. etts. So now I have my hand out like every body else.
Rwjt
i’m on 25 months and I did apply online. Also, try to call my Social Security office to schedule an appointment. They told me I had 110 minutes the option is hold or they can call you back and you wouldn’t lose your turn in line well, they called back three hours later the other day. went to the actual office and told them I needed to make an appointment, but I couldn’t because I couldn’t get anybody on the phone so I picked the number and there was several people in there and I couldn’t stay. I had so much anxiety do better and what happened to the weekly meetings on YouTube that was like the most positive thing I’ve seen.
Ken
That is a sin I agree. I have heard of pensioned construction workers and postal employees with pensions annuities etc. getting benifits by hiring an attorney or building up doctor letters. They are also able to work and perform at the same capacity. I dont get the system and will pray for you.
PJT
My friend is at almost 3 years waiting on a determination. She was denied after 18 months and been in reconsideration ever since. Not a single medical record was in her file when she hire md an attorney. I personally droppped them off twice. It is a broken systemz
PRIMBONTOTO
Artikel yang menarik, sangat bermanfaat. Buat yang suka togel dan numerologi, bisa cek juga primbontoto karena di sana lengkap banget penjelasannya.