Ensure Your Application for Disability Benefits Is Complete
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: October 24, 2024
Social Security takes care to handle your claim for benefits efficiently. When you submit your application for disability benefits, be sure to provide as much information as possible. That will help to avoid any processing delays.
Here’s how to get your application off to a good start:
- If you’re an adult applying for disability benefits, use this checklist to get ready for your phone or in-person interview or as you prepare to complete your online application: Adult Disability Starter Kit.
- If you’re applying for a child, our Child Disability Starter Kit lists information and documents that you will need for the disability interview or to complete the Child Disability Report.
- If you are an appointed representative, be sure to also include your Appointment of Representative. Check out this video for more information:
Remember, you can get started online! Visit our Apply for Social Security Benefits page to get started. Please share this information with friends and family and help us spread the word on social media!
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Tags: Disability, social security disability benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Linda G.
I am now 77 yo(07-18-1947). Do I qualify/get Disability Benefits?
anon
Disability insurance benefits are not available to people whose disability started after they reached full retirement age. Full retirement age for people born in 1947 was 66 yeras old.
S.S.
Hi, Linda. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. Social Security has two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI benefits are based on a worker’s earnings. SSI is a needs-based program that makes payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based program that makes payments to people with limited income and resources who are blind, have a qualifying disability, or are 65 or older. To learn more about SSI eligibility requirements, visit our Who can get SSI page. To schedule an appointment to apply for SSI, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Ana D.
Thank you for the update
Sara
How long does the process take before something or someone just gives an update? I started my application In April and was told Oct 1st that everything had been received I didn’t miss anything- this was after called a couple months to make sure I wasn’t halting anything. I know it’s a process but, just an update would make me feel a little better like I’m not in limbo somewhere. I have no clue what’s going on- i think I should start to assume that I need help and probably backup options
S.S.
Hi, Sara. Thanks for using our blog. The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim can vary depending on several factors. Primarily, the nature of your disability, how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources, and if your claim is randomly selected for a quality assurance review of the decision. We care about our customers and are working as fast as we can. To check the status of your application, you can use your personal my Social Security account or our automated telephone services that are available 24 hours a day. Call us at 1-800-772-1213 and, at the prompt, respond “application status.” For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this information is helpful.
Ronald o.
I did not apply for didability benefits.
I have id protection services that have informed me of medical providers security hacks that my ss is on the dark web.
Received this email requesting completion of disability benefits today 10-24-24.
If an application has indeed been submitted, it is fraudant as i did not submit any applications.
anon
This is just a blog post. It’s not specific to you. You might have signed up to get updates every time SSA publishes a new blog post.
John L.
The 1696 appointment of representative cannot be submitted with the online application. Nothing can be submitted online with the initial application. The 1696 has to be mailed to the assigned district office with the “coversheet”. This often leads to a 30 day delay in getting the claim going.
Jeanne B.
I was on disability when I signed up for Social Security.
I was told my social security and disability were combined.
I know my disability was around $400 and I don’t believe it was added to my Social Security. Can you help me?
S.S.
We’re sorry to hear about your experience, Jeanne. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak with a supervisor during your next call or visit. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
DeeAnn
When you turn 65 SSDI changes to Retirement and continues as monthly benefits
Mike H.
Thank you for this article. However, I did send in information for getting off of disability, including getting off of Medicare since my regular insurance is better, and I’ve waited over a year for results. I have contacted you several times to no avail. What else can be done to process my account? My medical bills are starting to pile up.
Marcia N.
I can’t get in to my account because my email has changed. I’ve tried calling many times can’t reach anyone. I need help please.
S.S.
Hi Marcia. Thank you for reading our blog. If you need help with transitioning your account, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, watch our 3-minute video. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. You may contact the Login.gov help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts, and ID.me support center for assistance with ID.me accounts. We hope this helps.
William L.
Fair enough.
Shirley T.
I did not apply for disability benefits.