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

Comments

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  2. sepehr

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  3. david

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  4. james p.

    i just started an online acct and didn’t find anywhere to apply for benefits. can i get the forms sent to my residence? if so, James P. O’Neill, 42 brogan road, Calais, Me. 04619. thank you.

    • V.V.

      Thanks for using our blog, James. You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse’s, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.

      If you do not wish to use the online application, or the application for the benefit you want is not available online, you can:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); or
      •Visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.

  5. Peggy P.

    I have had two strokes and a operation on my heart and knee replacement. I need financial help. What is the procedure to sign up?

  6. Deidre L.

    To whom it may concern I am trying to get a replacement Social Security Disability Card. I can’t get to the part of the menu that would allow me to apply.

    Thank You

    • V.V.

      Hi Deidre, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement Social Security card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you may be able to apply online. If you do not qualify to apply online, then you can apply by mail or visit your local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!

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  8. Michael J.

    I am looking to get a paper application for SSDI so I can fill it out at home

  9. lucille l.

    I know someone that has degenerate disc disease of the lumbar. they are trying to get disability. it has been a year. what can they do. they have a lawlyer

    • R.F.

      Hello Lucille. The length of time it takes to receive a decision on a disability claim can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of the individual’s disability and how quickly we obtain medical evidence from doctors or other medical sources. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending claims in the area.
      See “How The Disability Process Works” for more information. Thanks!

  10. Eric W.

    I am unable to find application online to be sent to me for ssi.
    Could you please send app forms to makalla2002@yahoo.com so I can print them out.
    Thank You
    Eric Savoy

    • R.F.

      Hello Eric. You can now file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online but only if you meet certain requirements. For more information on how to apply, visit our “Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits” web page.
      Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

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