How to Apply for Disability Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are both disability benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration.

SSI

To get SSI, a person must have a disability or be age 65 or older, have little or no income, and have less than $2,000 in countable resources. The maximum monthly amount changes each year due to cost of living adjustments. SSI comes with Medicaid.

SSDI

To get SSDI, a person must have a disability and recent work history. The amount of the benefit depends on your work history, and there are no resource limits. SSDI comes with Medicare, but there is a 24-month waiting period before Medicare coverage begins.

To qualify as having a disability, a person must meet the following definition:

The inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months OR is expected to result in death.

Social Security uses a 5-step process to decide if a person meets that definition:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Is the person’s current work below SGA?
            2. Is the person’s impairment(s) severe?
            3. Does the person’s impairment(s) meet the Listing of Impairments?
            4. Does the person’s impairment(s) prevent doing past work?
            5. Can the person make work adjustments given their age, education and experience?

 

Steps to Apply

Step 1

Find Your Condition in the Listing of Impairments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains an online Listing of Impairments that lists and describes impairments that are considered disabling. Find your condition(s) and prepare a statement about your condition and its impact that matches SSA’s definition. If you don’t meet a listing-level impairment, you may still be eligible, but Social Security must find that you meet the criteria in the last two steps of the 5-step process.

Step 2

Gather Medical Records

Gather medical records from all medical service providers who have diagnosed or treated you for your condition(s). This may include primary care providers, specialists, therapists, etc. Get as many records as possible, even if they are not recent.

Step 3

Complete the Application

Complete the online application or call 1-800-772-1213 People who are Deaf or hard of hearing may call 1-800-325-0778.

Step 4

Complete the Adult Disability Report

Complete the Adult Disability Report. You will need medical records to complete this form. Be thorough and detailed.

Step 5

Complete the Function Report

Complete the Function Report. Be thorough and detailed. Refer to the Listing of Impairments description of your condition.

Step 6

Complete the Work History Report

If you have worked before, complete the Work History Report.

Step 7

Make Copies

Make and keep copies of every document you submit to SSA. This step is very important, as it is common for SSA to lose documents.

Step 8

Interview

SSI applications always require an interview, which may be in person or by phone. SSDI applications may or may not require an interview.

Step 9

After the Interview

Portions of the application will go to Disability Determination Services (DDS), the agency responsible for determining if the disability meets medical standards. DDS may contact you for more information or additional records. You can check your application progress online through your MySSA account.

 

The initial application process may take 6-12 months. If the application is denied and an appeal is needed, it may take months or years for benefits to be approved. Learn more about disability benefits appeals. 

Additional Resources

ABLE National Resource Center 

Disability Application Process Infographic

SOAR Self-Help Guide for Applicants