Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits:
WHEN to Apply:
You should apply as soon as you become disabled. If you apply for:
SSDI: 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 the SSA decides your disability began.
SSI: the 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:
There are several ways to apply for SSDI:
Online at http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
By telephone by calling 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call their toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
By going to your local Social Security office.
SSI applications are not taken online. You may apply:
By telephone by calling 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call their toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
By going to your local Social Security office.
If you wish, you may have someone act as a representative to help you whenever you deal with the SSA. They will work with your representative as if they were working with you once the paperwork has been completed authorizing that person to act as your representative. Once you appoint a representative, he or she can act on your behalf in most Social Security matters by:
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Getting information from your Social Security file;
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Helping you get medical records or information to support your claim;
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Coming with you, or for you, to any interview, conference or hearing you have with the SSA;
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Requesting a reconsideration, hearing or Appeals Council review; and
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Helping you and your witnesses prepare for a hearing and questioning any witnesses.
Your representative also will receive a copy of the decision(s) the SSA makes on your claim(s). For more information about having someone act as a representative for you, click here.
