Simplified Online SSI Application Now Available as First Step in Larger Effort
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: December 16, 2024
An online application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is now available for some adults, making the application process easier. Following up on an announcement earlier this year, the simplified online application is part of the agency’s overall commitment to improving access to our benefits and programs.
SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities, as well as people 65 and older, who have little or no income and resources.
The rollout of the streamlined online application is the first phase of a multi-year effort to simplify the disability application process and improve access for those who may be eligible.
In the past, customers could apply online for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and select only the intent to file for SSI through SSA.gov. Now, we are expanding the online application to actually include a simplified, streamlined version of the initial SSI application.
Based on customer testing, we reduced the questions from 54 to as few as 12 depending on how an applicant responds. Where possible, some answers will be pre-filled based on previous responses.
The enhanced online application is accessible to adults who:
• Are 18-64 years and 10 months and applying for SSI and SSDI.
• Have never been married.
• Have never applied for SSI for themselves or a child.
• Are U.S. citizens or noncitizens (eligibility has not changed)
In the future, the agency plans to expand this streamlined application process to all applicants, in the office, via phone, and, later, online.
To begin the application, visit Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Please share this information with loved ones, clients, and colleagues who may be interested.
If you are a parent or guardian applying for SSI for a minor child or you are 65 and older with limited income and resources, you can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213.
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Tags: Disability, SSI, supplemental security income
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Patrica R.
I do not u sweat and how you can deny me benefits for my severe anxiety and depression along with my Neuropathy and fused neck vertebrae and kidney disease. Yet you approved my sister for her diagnosis of moderate depression??? Makes no sense how she got it the first try and this is my 3rd attempt and my Drs and psychiatrist both told me not to work and even wrote a letter on my behalf to you stating they don’t believe I should be anywhere in public longer than an hour. I am so upset and destroyed with you people!! And wish I were dead because now I’m homeless and you did this to me!!
Dawn
I have depression n anxiety n I’m trying to get SSI
S.S.
Hi, Dawn. Thanks for reading our blog and for your questions. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to your monthly survivors benefit. 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.
Jennifer M.
I don’t see my comment. Let me try to simplify. WAS working at Dell Computers $7.50 an hour. My fourth year, my son was born. He was BORN disable. I could not receive ASSISTANTS because at $7.50 an hour, I made too much. HA
As a working citizen, that had work history since the age of 15. And at the age of 20 purchased a foreclosed home and at 23 had a baby that was CLEARLY DISABLE.
ASSISTANTS from SSI, in which I paid my share in taxes, to ASSIST with childcare so that I may continue to be a Tax Paying, working-class citizen, until he reached school age verses only given the option to be SOLEY DEPENDANT on Government.
Why call it ASSISTANCE if making $7.50 an hour (in 2005) is consider making too much?
Why call it ASSISTANCE if a person has to stop working and MADE to BECOME SOLEY DEPENDENT ON ASSISTANCE?
Jennifer M.
My son is 23 now. I WAS WORKING at Dell Computers when I became pregnant with my son who was born with Cerebral Palsy. I was only making $7.50 an hour. And by the guidelines, I made to much for him to receive SSI. Because I could not afford to pay a daycare, because he needed 1:2 ratio vs 1:10 ratio I was left with no option but to stop working. And ONLY THEN did he qualify for SSI. My question or concern is, why are programs not available for people who pay into the system? Why does a person have to be COMPLETELY DEPENDED on assistance? Had I been able to get assistance until he became of school age, I could have continued to contribute to taxes and be a productive member to society. Maybe so many Americans wouldn’t be stuck on government assistants. It is a system that doesn’t understand the difference between “Assist” and “Depend” Hopefully this message will reach someone who can make a change or direct me to whom I should speak to.
Cheri
I called the number given (800-772-1213) to schedule an appointment. There was a recording, but no menu or access to speak to someone. Please check the number so it gives access for help
Arthur B.
Are disabled veterans eligible for ssi or SSDI benefits
Arthur B.
Are disabled veterans eligible for ssi or SSDI benefits
Gerald A.
Gerald A.
February 6, 2025 5:52PM
Sirs, I am the 86 year old parent of a 46 year old daughter who lives in Wallace, SC. I reside in Avon Lake, Ohio. My daughter is currently unemployed and receiving limited financial assistance from myself. She has a long and complicated medical/mental history and needs competent advice from a governmental agency in order to obtain an acceptable standard of living. How may we approach?
Reply
C.B.
We are sorry to hear about your daughter, Gerald. We pay disability benefits through two programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is a needs-based program that provides payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, and people 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. SSDI is based on a worker’s earnings, not need. To be found disabled, a person must be unable to work because of a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least 1 year or to end in death. For more information, visit Apply for Social Security benefits. Or your daughter can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., to schedule an appointment.
In addition, your daughter may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which she lives. These services may include Medicaid, free meals, transportation or help with other concerns. To get information about services in her area and to find out if she qualifies, she will need to contact her state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Brown G.
This online application is part of a broader modernization effort by the SSA to improve how services are delivered and to make the SSI program more accessible for individuals across the country. Future phases of the project are expected to introduce additional features and functionalities, such as automated updates and the ability to track application statuses online.
Regards
Brown Gore
https://ovaroms.com/
Gerald A.
Sirs, I am the 86 year old parent of a 46 year old daughter who lives in Wallace, SC. I reside in Avon Lake, Ohio. My daughter is currently unemployed and receiving limited financial assistance from myself. She has a long and complicated medical/mental history and needs competent advice from a governmental agency in order to obtain an acceptable standard of living. How may we approach.