Do I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSD)? And how do I apply?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that provides money to help people. If you qualify, SSI monthly payments can help cover your basic needs.

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income, you must:

• Be 65 years or older, or blind or disabled
• Have very limited income and resources
• Be a U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has worked in the U.S. for long enough and meets other requirements
• Live in the U.S. 

Other factors affect your eligibility, including if you are married and the resources of other people in your household. 

Social Security Disability (SSD) is a government program that provides monthly payments for people with disabilities.

To qualify for Social Security Disability, you must:

• Have a medical condition that meets the strict definition of disability;
• Have paid Social Security taxes for long enough at your job/s. How many years of work you need to qualify depends on your age when the disability started. Not all jobs help you qualify.

Generally, your disability benefits continue until your medical condition improves and you can work. The Social Security Administration will review your case at times. 

It is possible to apply for both SSD and SSI programs. To see what benefits you qualify for, you can use the Social Security Administration’s Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, and talk to your Social Security Representative at your local Social Security office to learn more.

How do I apply?

To start the SSI and/or SSD application process, make an appointment with a Social Security Representative to help you apply for benefits. You can make an appointment over the phone or online.

To make an appointment over the phone, call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number: +1 800-772-1213. When you hear "How can I help you today?" say, "make an appointment.” A representative will help you find your local office and make an appointment. (You can also contact your local office directly. Find their phone number with the Social Security Office Locator.)

To make an appointment online, fill out an online form:

• Pick the benefits you think you might qualify for, including SSI and/or SSD.
• Enter basic information, like your name, date of birth, and social security number.
• Within 2 weeks you will get a notice with an appointment date and time.

At your appointment, a Social Security representative helps you apply for the right benefits. The SSA reviews your application and mails you the decision. The review usually takes 3 to 6 months. Check your application status online or call +1 800-772-1213 and say "application status."

NOTE: If you are only applying for disability benefits, you can complete the entire application process online.

A few final things to keep in mind when applying for benefits:

• If you qualify for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Enrollment is not automatic so get more information at your local Social Security office.
• If you are getting SSI or SSD benefits when you reach retirement age, they will  automatically convert to retirement benefits. 
• If you qualify for SSI or SSD benefits, you may also qualify for other assistance, such as housing, nutrition, healthcare, transportation, employment support, rent subsidies, food programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC), Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, reduced fare programs, and help with heating/cooling/utilities.

What if my application is denied?

Many SSI and SSD applications get denied and the most common reason is missing documents. Keep all your work and medical records organized and up to date. Document appointments and treatments with medical professionals and keep tax and wage information.

You can appeal if you were denied 

• Supplemental Security Income for medical reasons, or 
• Social Security Disability for any reason.

You have four chances to appeal:

1. The first appeal is with the Social Security Administration. You can submit this appeal request online or with your Social Security Representative at your local office. Review your medical documents to provide the best, fullest picture of your situation. Include any new work or medical information to make your case stronger. These appeals are often denied. 
2. The next chance to appeal is at a disability hearing. You must ask for the hearing within 65-days of the denial notice. At the hearing, you speak with an administrative judge. You can bring witnesses to support your claims. This is the appeals level with the highest success rate for benefits.
3. The third appeal level is with an Appeals Council. You must ask for an Appeals Council review within 60-days of receiving your hearing decision. You can complete this request for review online.
4. And finally, if your application for benefits has been denied by the Appeals Council, you can take the case to a Federal Court.

Learn more about what to expect during the appeals process, how to represent yourself, and who to do if you miss the appeals deadline.

You can represent yourself. It is helpful to work with a Social Security disability lawyer if your case is complicated. Search for free legal help using LawHelp’s legal directory.

What do I do when I am approved for SSI and/or SSD?

Once you are approved for benefits, set up a way to receive them. You can either:

1. Set up direct deposit to get payments electronically to your bank account OR
2. Sign up for the Direct Express® card program to get payments directly to a debit card account. 

Social Security pays benefits once a month, automatically. Each January, your benefits increase if the cost of living has gone up. 

If the Social Security Administration tells you they sent too much money, that is called an overpayment. Read more about what to do if you receive a notice of overpayment.