How do I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

When To Apply

You should apply as soon as you become disabled.  There are two different programs under Social Security.  You should apply for both and SSA will determine which one(s) you are eligible for.

• Social Security Disability benefits will not begin until the sixth full month of disability. The Social Security disability waiting period begins with the first full month after the date they decide your disability began.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSA pays SSI disability benefits for the first full month after the date you filed your claim, or, if later, the date you become eligible for SSI.

How To Apply

You can apply for Disability benefits online at www.ssa.gov , or if your prefer, you can apply by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. The representatives there can make an appointment for your application to be taken over the telephone or at any convenient Social Security office.   We recommend applying online or contacting your local office directly. 

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our toll-free "TTY" number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

What You Need

The claims process for disability benefits is generally longer than for other types of Social Security benefits, from 90 to 120 days. It takes longer to obtain medical information and to assess the nature of the disability in terms of your ability to work. However, you can help shorten the process by bringing certain documents with you when you apply and helping SSA to get any other medical evidence you need to show you are disabled. These include:

1.  your Social Security number;
2.  your birth certificate or other evidence of your date of birth;
3.  your military discharge papers, if you were in the military service;
4.  your spouse's birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits;
5.  your children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers if they are applying for benefits; and
6.  your checking or savings account information, so your benefits can be directly deposited;
7.  names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and institutions that treated you and dates of treatment;
8.  names of all medications you are taking;
9.  medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers;
10.  laboratory and test results;
11.  a summary of where you worked in the past 15 years and the kind of work you did;
12.  a copy of your W-2 Form (Wage and Tax Statement), or if you are self-employed, your federal tax return for the past year;
13.  dates of prior marriages if your spouse is applying

The documents presented as evidence must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. SSA does not accept uncertified or notarized photocopies as evidence since they cannot verify the authenticity. Do not delay filing for benefits just because you do not have all of the information you need. The Social Security office will be glad to help you.

If you do not have a birth certificate, you may request one from the State where you were born.

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits you also need the following:

• information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord's name;
• payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, car registration, burial fund records, and other information about your income and the things you own.