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.

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

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Comments

  1. Sam S.

    I didn’t know that there were two programs that the program was paid through. My cousin just lost a leg on his last deployment and will probably have to sign up for something like this to stay afloat for a while. I’ll have to tell him about your tips so he can get as much disability pay as possible. http://www.disabledveterans.org/chapter-31-voc-rehab-page/

    • Ray F.

      Hi Sam! We’re sorry to hear about your cousin’s medical condition. We thank him for his service to our country.
      Your cousin can get general information about our disability programs through our website. He can apply online.
      We ask that you keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
      Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death.
      We hope this information helps, thanks.

    • sina

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  2. Roque G.

    Hi. Someone mentioned to me that Veterans
    Recieve more Social Security benefits.
    I am a Viet Nam veteran and currently receiving social security
    I have no percentage of disability from VA and no Disability from Social Security
    What increase in benefits do Veterans get

  3. Betty A.

    I have a friend that has had chronic asthma since he was A child and still as an adult along with nomonia also has been hospitalized several times almost died on several occasions it has happened throughout his whole entire life he has no insurance last time he was hospitalized was at bayveiw hopitol he has slot records here and in elementary Paso TX and I Phoenix Az he was hospitalized in all these city’s he also has homeless issues n also in seek of mental instability I’m concern for my friend health living situation and need to be put on medications for all the above I would really appreciate feed back on his status and see what help he can qualify for and if he is able to get social security disability.

    • Betty A.

      Bettyhntn1@gmail.com

    • Ray F.

      Hi, Betty. Some individuals may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they live. 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. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information.
      Social Security pays disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Your friend can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with an agent for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this information helps.

  4. Karen a.

    I applied on line already just need to change my address …. My new address will be ..49 wachusette st Fitchburg mass 01420.

  5. Betty J.

    There is one of your mistakes in the system. As to disyribution of allowed money.This. needs to be addressed. As soon as possible.

  6. Betty J.

    Then why cant i get the secured amount of money that should be granted to me.Injured .and with out. Bettywatson12221960@gmail.com

  7. Dianne

    Unfortunately, the chart doesn’t address how to determine the credits of a person who is born disabled. She will definitely have some form of Medical Assistance as she is a DAC but once she starts receiving Medicare, the MA is scaled quite a bit down and she will end up paying more for prescriptions, dental work, etc. This change in her benefit from strictly SSI to an SSI/SSDI combo will give her $20 more a month but take away much more.

    • Ray F.

      Hi Dianne! Medicare enrollees who have limited income and resources may get help paying for their premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses through the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). Please call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-633-4227 for more information. We hope this information is helpful.

      • Dianne

        I don’t believe her case has been appropriately processed. She had ZERO earnings prior to being disabled. Why is she getting SSDI?

  8. Dianne

    My 26 year old daughter with Moderate Mental Retardation has received SSI since she turned 18. She began working in a sheltered workshop when she turned 21. Social Security is saying she now is eligible for SSDI under her own SSN and SSI. How is this possible? The Medicare is messing with her Medical Assistance and she will have much higher medical bills.

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your question, Dianne. Generally, to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify for SSDI with fewer credits. See “Number Of Credits Needed For Disability Benefits”, for more information.
      Periodically, we conduct “redeterminations” to identify Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who –at any time–are potentially eligible for Social Security benefits on their own record and the records of others (e.g., spouse’s, widow’s, or childhood disability benefits). If an SSI recipient is insured and qualifies for Social Security benefits, they are required to apply as soon as they become eligible. Failure to apply for additional benefits will result in suspension or termination of SSI payments.
      Your daughter may still be eligible to receive assistance from the state where you live. Medicare enrollees who have limited income and resources may get help paying for their premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses from Medicaid. Please call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-633-4227 for more information. We hope this information is helpful.

  9. getrpi.com

    Are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance at the same time as your SSI claim.

    • Ray F.

      We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits under the SSDI program. SSI is a needs based program that can pay benefits to disabled individuals and age 65 individuals or older, with limited income and resources. Generally, when you apply for disability benefits, we take applications for both programs. We hope this information helps.

  10. sedot w.

    I always end with “ thank you for delivering great information – http://sedotwcmedanku.blogspot.com

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