Disability, SSI

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

May 30, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: March 17, 2021

disabled woman with carer in gardenMany people think that disability is something that happens to someone else. Unfortunately, disability is unpredictable and can happen to any person, at any age. Millions of Americans live with disabilities. Disability affects those afflicted and their families.

Social Security’s disability program provides medical and financial support to disabled individuals and their families in a time of need. The Social Security Act sets out a strict definition of disability. We pay benefits to people with a severe medical condition that prevents them from performing substantial work, and expected to last at least one year or result in death. Social Security does not pay benefits for partial disability or short-term disability.

We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSDI program provides benefits to disabled or blind people who worked and contributed to the Social Security trust fund as required by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. The SSI program makes cash assistance payments to aged, blind, and disabled people who have limited income and resources. SSI benefit payments do not come from the Social Security trust fund.

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. To apply for disability benefits, you will need to complete an application for Social Security benefits. You can apply online. When you visit our website, select “Apply for Benefits,” and follow the link to get a Disability Starter Kit. This kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. If we find you’re eligible for Social Security disability benefits, there’s a five-month waiting period before we can begin your benefits. Applying for benefits as soon as you become disabled will allow for benefits to start sooner.

You can also call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to make an appointment to apply for benefits at your local Social Security office or to set up an appointment for someone to take your claim over the telephone.

When disability strikes, Social Security is there providing financial support to people when they need it most.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Comments

  1. دانلود .

    Spectrum TV App for Windows is the best choice for watching live tv shows. this app made by united states and other countries. The spectrum TV app is available for the Android device and iOS devices. nowadays this a most popular in worldwide. – دانلود فیلم نار و نی

  2. samanta

    today no one can deny social security benefits.
    it’s a great text to our spirit موزیک سیتی

  3. Bepanah P.

    This page truly has all of the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
    https://bepanah-pyaar.su/

  4. Sarina

    Our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here.
    But remember, never post personal information on social media. https://bistmusic.com/

  5. Justin

    Is there anyway to waive the waiting period to get disability check? My son in law has been approved but he will probably not live to collect any money with the waiting period. https://irannava.com/

    • Vonda V.

      We are really sorry to hear of your son-in-law’s medical condition. Current law requires everybody that is approved for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program to serve a 5 month waiting period. The 5 month waiting period ensures that during the early months of disability, we do not pay benefits to persons who do not have long-term disabilities. Your son-in-law may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state while he is waiting for his disability payments to begin. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps.

  6. tempobet g.

    great knowlage, where do u learn this, tnk u, we are opened new page about tempobet ? https://tempobetgiris.linkbox.agency check it pls

  7. Tempobet G.

    great knowlage, where do u learn this, tnk u, we are opened new page about tempobet ?

  8. دانلود .

    That is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
    Simple but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing this one.A must read post! – دانلود فیلم دخمه

  9. mobilbahis g.

    nice, i loved here.

  10. mushgug666

    Our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here.
    But remember, never post personal information on social media.
    https://hajmusic.ir/

Comments are closed.