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.
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Tags: social security disability benefits, SSI
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