Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
Many 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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Tags: Disability, SSI, supplemental security income
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Robert W.
please inform when social security disability hearing ifs scheduled for Robert Williams 38 View St Pittsfield Ma 01201 last 4 of soc 1601
Debbie
I applied for social security about 2 weeks ago I will 65 in November of this year. It is in the process of being approved. I am no longer able to do my job. I am an accountant who had a subdural hematoma. I have had physical and speech therapy. I have been released from therapy. However, I am unable to do the complex processes for my job. Can I apply for disability until I turn 66?
Ray F.
Hello Debbie. Yes, you can apply for disability benefits before you reach your full retirement age.
You can start receiving your retirement benefits while we process your application for disability benefits and wait for a medical decision. If approved for disability benefits, we will adjust your monthly payments accordingly.
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 result in death. If you think you are disabled under our rules, you should apply for disability benefits as soon as possible. Please visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability for more information.
Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local office for further assistance. Thanks!
Nora G.
I am very grateful for the help that Social Security Disability provides for me! I know it is not enough to help me live but I am grateful for any help I can receive! I try to look at it as all positive instead of negative or problems because then I would feel ungrateful for what I do receive. I am always looking for ways to pay for my living expenses because I do not receive enough to even pay for my food; although, I do receive some food stamps. Again, I try to be grateful for what I do receive and hope others can do this too for it helps me live in peace and anything provided is one step closer to living the best I can. I have many needs and can not fulfill them all but hope to fill only the necessary ones. Thank You for allowing me to reply…
Ray F.
Thank you for your comment, Nora. Thank you for sharing!
LeeAnn a.
I been trying to apply for MY son but never can get through. How Do I apply for my 4 yr old son??
Ray F.
Hello LeeAnn. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please contact your local Social Security office. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Don
A child under 18 receiving social security, who is responsible for money?
Ray F.
Hello Don. In most cases, we pay benefits to their Representative Payee. Generally, we look for family members (living in the same household) to serve as representative payees. When friends or family are not able to serve as payees, Social Security looks for qualified organizations to be representative payees. We hope this information helps!
iranmoshavere
very good article thank you
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Luann G.
My boyfriend’s grandsons father died in 2017. Is there any way the child can draw off his dad?
Randy L.
Can someone tell me if a single parent who does get child support can apply for disability?
Gale
My Social security disability was lowered for some reason, but I was told I could probably make a higher amount through regular Social Security. I need help I am fighting to make it through the month on my lowered amount.
Solucan G.
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