Online Services, SSI

Expanding Access to SSI: Getting Your Application Started Online

April 21, 2022 • By

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Last Updated: April 21, 2022

Father working in kitchen with daughterThe Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to people who are 65 and older, and to adults and children with disabilities who have low income and few resources. SSI is a critical program for people facing barriers such as veterans, people struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and other challenges.

SSI is also a path to receiving Medicaid, other health insurance, and lifesaving benefits such as nutrition assistance and housing support. Social Security is committed to ensuring that people can get the financial support when they need it. That’s why we’re making it even easier for you to start an SSI application.

You can get started today with the SSI application process.

We recently launched a new online option to request an appointment to file for SSI. The first step is to let us know that you – or someone you know – wants to file for SSI. You can request an appointment for yourself or another adult or child. The earlier we know you want to apply for SSI, the more benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Anyone can make a request online. All you have to do is answer a few questions. It takes less than five minutes. If you are submitting information for someone else, we will also ask for your contact information.

If you – or someone you know – is interested in applying, please visit our website and get started today.

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  1. Todd R.

    This new on-line request for SSI phone application is so much better than trying to get in touch with someone at the field office to schedule this.

    • Mary A.

      I’m trying to get an appointment in I apply for survivors divorce spouts benefit they won’t let you apply online so you have to make an appointment so this is what I’m trying to do make an appointment

      • Ann C.

        Hi, Mary. Thanks for visiting our blog. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Todd. Thanks for your feedback, and thanks for using our online services! We’re pleased we can help!

  2. Bob R.

    I was given the opportunity to retire early or get released from my last job due to disability. Since than I have been declared disabled from the Veterans Administration. Do I qualify for disability SSI?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Bob. Thanks for your question. First of all, thank you for your service to your country. Please 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.  We do offer expedited processing of certain disability claims for military service members. Learn more by visiting our Wounded Warriors program page. We hope this helps. 

  3. Marcia J.

    I can hardly move i was a very hard worker before I got sick and I apply for disability i am not working and it’s like I am on a pole spinning around sometimes I go to bed without food But I know God is able . I can’t get no where with every time I call social security it’s a different story I don’t know what else to do

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Marcia. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.

  4. Beverly

    I will be 62 in August 2022. I read somewhere that you can file 4 months in advance. When I try to apply on line it stops me when I am not disabled????

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Beverly. Congratulations on approaching your retirement! You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits when you are 61 years and 9 months of age and want your benefits to start in the next 3 months. When you are ready, you can complete the online application for Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. We hope this helps. 

  5. deborah m.

    For lapsing with his meds my 30 year old homeless son with mental illness was kicked off SSI I fought to get him as a child! Unable to self initiate or advocate, I filed his updated application over a year ago that was per custom denied and STILL waiting for a decision on the appeal even though he clearly qualifies and is currently eligible. You people DESTROY the lives of America’s most vulnerable and downtrodden- as a taxpayer I’m disgusted, as a parent I’m finding him a good attorney!

    • Tony

      It is the government and not a charity. As a taxpayer, I don’t want to see my tax dollars given away by the government like it was a charity. There are too many SSI children gaming the system for mental illness by their parents.

      People with mental illness who don’t take their medication can get involuntary committed to a mental institution. Medicaid pays 100% of the medical bill. There was no reason he couldn’t have taken his medication.

      He was a child when he started receiving
      SSI. She was probably his representative payee since a minor need a representative payee.

      A representative payee is responsible to make sure he is receiving medical care before giving him the rest of his SSI money.

      She got him living homeless in the street instead of getting him help.

  6. David K.

    Maj is right. Furthermore, why don’t you tell the public that it could be as long as six weeks or more before the appointment.

    You are just trying to cut down in person traffic.

    Why don’t you explain why a claimant can file online for SSD but not for SSI?

  7. Frank R.

    I am sorry bien a vet.the batel a difendt the democracia has teguen my medles into no recurnition as a usa cityes,born in the Bronx, N.Y. and living in Puerto Rico .that mind a don’t have SSI.THANK YOU.

  8. MajJohn

    The headline is a misnomer. There is no expansion to access to SSI. They have expanded access to the application. Further, VA benefits exceed the SSI payment rate so this has nothing to do with low income disabled veterans.

    • Karen

      If someone’s VA benefits exceed the SSI payment rate they do not meet the ‘definition of low income for SSI’ policy. Thankfully, they’re income isn’t already that low to be eligible.

  9. Barbara M.

    I have tried to start the process online. I read the second page that explains the contact information required, but when I hit “start,” there was no way to enter my contact information.
    The third page was just a blank page, with no way to continue the application..
    I use the internet all the time for various applications but I cannot complete this application. Please help.

    • Karen

      Call your local SSA office general line to advise that you’ve been unsuccessful with filing online and you need an appointment. By calling the office, you will establish a protective filing date to prevent loss of future benefits.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Barbara. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  10. Eugene F.

    I was wondering why it’s so hard for veteran to get approved for SSD? I am 100% disable Veteran and I have been denied 2 times. My case is going to a judge to decide the case. I had to get a lawyer for my case and they will take at least 25% if you are approve. it’s been over a year and I have to talk to the judge in May. This is very intimidating for any veteran having the case decided by a judge.
    Thank you for your time

    • Karen

      There are different Federal rules for different programs. If your lawyer is successful in arbitrating your case, they can only charge up to 25% of backpay OR $6000.00 so even if you were awarded $50K in back pay, it’d only be the $6000.00 max payable, not $12,500 which is 25% of $50K.

    • Cole

      I waited 3 1/2 years & went before a judge to get my disability. My judge determined my back time & it didn’t go back to the very beginning. I accepted whatever amount of back time I was allowed. Yes the lawyer gets 25% , & I took what I could get and was happy it was over. I did the best I could do. I do appreciate my lawyer & the judge seeing my case through.

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