Expanding Access to SSI: Getting Your Application Started Online
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: April 21, 2022
The 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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Tags: Medicaid, online services, SSI, supplemental security income
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ALW
My spouse receive SSI and now I am retiring at the age 62. I made more money than my spouse. He had no social security benefit because he didn’t have any social security earnings. Do he receive my spouse benefit? We have been married 10+ years. How do spouse benefit affect my benefit?
ALW
My spouse receive SSI and now I am retiring at the age 62. I made more money than my spouse. He had no social security benefit because he did have any earnings. Do he receive my spouse benefit? We have been married 10+ years. How do spouse benefit affect my benefit?
A.C.
Hi, ALW. Thanks for your questions. For your spouse to qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be receiving retirement or disability benefits and they must be at least age 62 or older. Keep in mind that if they qualify for their own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay their own benefits first. If their benefits as a spouse are higher than their own benefits, they will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Visit our Benefits Planner for more information. We hope this helps.
Arthur M.
I am frustrated with the whole thing because I filed a year ago and I haven’t heard anything back my condition is terminal and I can’t work anymore so I have no income. I am really struggling to just survive and it seems like you guys are just waiting for me to die so that you won’t have to give me any money.
A.C.
Hi, Arthur. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or visit. We hope this is resolved soon.
Dorothy K.
My ex husband worked for North Royalton Police Department, North Royalton, Ohio.
He retired as a Captain. We were married for 16 years. Divorced for aprox 45 years. I didn’t think he worked under social security but I was told some police departments do work under social security. How can I find out if he did work under social security? I have his social security number.
Thanking you for attention in this matter
A.C.
Hi, Dorothy. Thanks for visiting our blog. Please 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.
debra s.
iv been trying to call you bit it take a long time and no one anser the phone im trying to get on a medical card or ss i im 65 now please call me thank you
A.C.
Hi, Debra. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue; therefore, we do not do direct contacts. Did you know you can now complete the online application for your Social Security retirement benefits or Medicare in as little as 15 minutes? It’s so easy, you can apply from the comfort of your home or office at a time most convenient for you. To get started, visit our Online Services page. If you still need assistace, you can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Olga B.
My parents receive SSI benefits because they are much over 65 with no income. Their benefits were substantially reduced 3 years ago due to their eligibility for the pension from Russia. It was close to impossible for them to get their pension payments from Russia before and now due to sanctions it is 100% impossible. They got 10 times increase in their sec 8 rent payments starting from June and they would not be able to cover all their expenses with their reduced SSI payments. What is the best way for them to apply for SSI payments increase re-consideration?
A.C.
Hi, Olga. Thanks for visiting our blog. We are sorry to hear about your parents’ situation. Your parents can contact their local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Phuong N.
Hello, my mom want to apply for a SSI , I was helping her to apply online and they sent us a letter for a telephone appointment today 9:05am , and we’re waiting for an hour but nobody call us , can you let me know what we can do ? Thanks.
A.C.
Hi, Phuong. We are sorry to hear that. Please contact your mother’s local Social Security office for assistance. Thanks!
NANCY M.
I am receiving disability insurance. I cannot work full time due to illness. However, I would like to work a few hours a week under specified mobile conditions, to supplement my income. Is this allowed without affecting my SSI payments?
A.C.
Hi, Nancy. Thanks for your question. The amount of your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit, is based, in part, on the income available to you. Whether you are receiving Social Security or SSI, it is important to let us know promptly when you start or stop working, or if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits. You can find more information about working temporarily without losing monthly Social Security disability or SSI benefits by reading our publication, Working while Disabled- How We Can Help. We hope this helps.
Robert B.
I’m getting ready to retire and I already have an account and receive Medicare. My retirement time said 66 & 4 months. I’m turning 66 on 5/17 When can I actually file and get my first check
A.C.
Hi, Robert. Thanks for your questions. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance. Retirement benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your want your benefits to begin with the month of September, you will receive your first payment in October. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. When you are ready to file, visit our Retirement Benefits page. We hope this helps.
J.T.
Yes I’m in diar need of some serious advice,help. I’m going through the appeals process w/the SSA. I’m a non-attorney Rep. I’ve been on a claim for someone for 3 1/2 yrs. Just recently we had our ALJ appeals hearing. Seemed like everything was going well, and No, not even. I received the ALJ,s decision. Let’s just say I was devastated. I need some help.An attorney to take over
Krystal C.
I am disabled and also sick? N have mental illnesses. I am on my second round applying. I have no clue but this single mom can use help kindly and Thank
A.C.
Hi, Krystal. We are sorry to hear about your condition. Social Security 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. You may find our listing of impairments useful. If you think you are disabled, you can file for disability. To apply online for disability benefits, visit our Disability Benefits page. If you have addtional questions, please 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.
Joseph P.
How do I get an expedited hearing for Cal due to Multi system atrophy Copd Cardiac arrest Bradacardia and syncope . I’m am critical condition and this took me out of work and need any help I can also diabetic now with insulin since I was hospitalized and caught covid with kidney failure Ischemic change and can’t be left alone so my daughter is my full time caregiver
A.C.
Hi, Joseph. We are sorry to hear about your condition. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Gilmore P.
That Thank see set. Set
Leon
my wife’s social security is about 1/3rd of mine. she says others get about 1/2 of husband’s. Did we apply for her too early?
A.C.
Hi, Leon. Thanks for your question. Your wife’s benefit as a spouse can be equal to one-half of your full retirement amount only if she started receiving those benefits at her full retirement age. If a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for once they opt to start benefits at age 62 or at any time prior to their full retirement age. If you still have additional specific questions, please 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.
Hope S.
Hi, I am 56 and recieving ssdi. I was married to my 1st spouse for 13 years before divorce. I remarried 2 years ago and now divorcing 2nd spouse. Am I eligible to receive any benefits from 1st spouse? Or second? I appreciate the help.
A.C.
Hi, Hope. Thanks for visiiting our blog. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, be age 62 or older and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information on how to qualify for divorced spouse benefits, visit our Benefits Planner. We hope this helps.