How to Apply Online for Social Security Disability and SSI
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 25, 2025
Social Security has 2 disability programs – one based on work, the other based on need.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays monthly benefits if you have paid into Social Security through your job and have a disabling condition that prevents you from working. Your benefits are based on your earnings from work.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and few resources. Note: If you’re 65 or older, you may be eligible for SSI if you meet certain income and resource limits. You don’t have to have a disabling condition.
Our adult definition of disability is the same for both SSDI and SSI. You must have a medical condition that:
- Is expected to last at least 1 year or result in death.
- Prevents you from doing “substantial gainful activity”, SGA. For people who are not blind, the monthly SGA amount for 2025 is $1,620.
To learn if you or someone you know may be eligible for one or both disability programs, visit our Benefits webpage.
How can you apply for SSDI?
You can use our online application to apply for disability benefits if:
- You are age 18 or older and have a my Social Security account.
- You do not receive benefits on your own Social Security earnings record.
- Your previous disability application was denied more than 60 days ago.
How can you apply for SSI?
Applying for SSI is now easier with our simplified online application, which includes a streamlined version of the initial SSI application. In the past, adults could apply online for SSDI and select only the “intent to file for SSI” option.
You can use our online application to apply for SSI if you:
- Are age 18-64 years and 10 months and are applying for both SSI and SSDI.
- Have a my Social Security account.
- Have never been married.
- Have never applied for SSI for yourself or a child.
- Are a U.S. citizen. Note: Some noncitizens may be able to use the online application if they meet SSI eligibility requirements.
You can easily create a personal my Social Security account if you don’t have one. If you can’t apply online for SSDI or SSI, you must make an appointment to complete the application by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Please share this information with others who may want to apply for disability benefits or SSI for themselves or a child – and post it on social media.
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Tags: Disability, Social Security benefits, SSI
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mo s.
I am so glad you people are so security have finally got your stuff together so call you want people to believe.
مكتب خدمات عامة
mst j.
Thank you for this detailed guide on applying for SSDI and SSI online! It really clarifies the process for those who may feel overwhelmed. For anyone looking to protect themselves further while navigating disability or other benefits, it’s also worth checking out Insure Direct
for affordable insurance options that can provide additional peace of mind. Resources like these make planning and managing benefits much easier and safer.
Rose D.
Thank you for this clear and helpful guide — very useful for anyone applying for SSDI or SSI online.
In India, we have a related digital identity system called Samagra ID, used in Madhya Pradesh to connect families with welfare programs like scholarships and pensions. Each household gets a Parivar ID and each person a linked Sadasya ID, which simplifies benefit delivery and verification.
If you’d like to see a step-by-step explanation of how that system works, here is a detailed guide:
समग्र आईडी परिवार सदस्य
.
It’s interesting to compare how different countries use digital tools to improve access to social benefits.
Rose D.
Thank you for this clear and helpful guide — very useful for anyone applying for SSDI or SSI online.
In India, we have a related digital identity system called Samagra ID, used in Madhya Pradesh to connect families with welfare programs like scholarships and pensions. Each household gets a Parivar ID and each person a linked Sadasya ID, which simplifies benefit delivery and verification.
If you’d like to see a step-by-step explanation of how that system works, here is a detailed guide:
समग्र आईडी परिवार सदस्य
.
It’s interesting to compare how different countries use digital tools to improve access to social benefits.
jhonwood
Excellent insights! Reading this makes me think of Nadakacheri.org,which is also designed to help citizens save time by avoiding long queues.
ISMAIL A.
I haven’t had a real job for last 5 years. Due to COVID. I’m 62 and partial deaf since age of 2. I’m having a hard time finding a job. I got denied twice from SSI. I know I’m qualified according to my hearing test. I need help.
مكتب خدمات عامة
Julissa R.
Apply for SSI
Kevin C.
I live in baton rouge Louisiana I have been trying to call the office of social security they never pick up their phone I go online to see if they are open they are always closed I have been trying to get back into the social security network but cannot open don’t know why I really don’t care why I would just like some help I stayed on the phone with the office on the east coast of the United States for an hour and a half then call got dropped there is no one in baton rouge office that really gives a good rats because what lazy does is what lazy does if security at the office is not telling you you must leave because we’re not open the doors are just locked thank you have a great day I am so glad you people are so security have finally got your stuff together so call you want people to believe.