To apply for disaiblity benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you'll need records of all the doctors you've seen, hospitals you've stayed in, and jobs you've had in the last 15 years. There are several ways to apply: online, in person, and over the phone. Here's what you need to know.
Filing a Disability Application With Social Security (SSDI)
To apply for disability benefits from the federal government, you can either go to your local Social Security office, call 800-772-1213, or, to apply for SSDI (
Tips for Completing Social Security's Adult Disability Report
The Adult Disability Report (ADR) is one of several forms you're required to complete when you file an application for Social Security disability benefits.
Getting Your Disability Benefits Back Without Reapplying: Expedited Reinstatement
If you lost your disability benefits after trying to go back to work, Social Security will replace your benefits if you again find yourself unable to work.
Compassionate Allowances Get Expedited Disability Determinations
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides expedited processing for medical conditions that are listed in the "Compassionate Allowances List" (CAL).
Expedited Disability Decisions for Terminal Illness Claims
The Social Security Administration (SSA) expedites disability decisions for applicants with terminal illnesses through its Terminal Illness Program (TERI) program.
Presumptive Disability: Eligibility and Filing
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a long and frustrating process.
The Social Security Consultative Exam: What to Expect
That call from the Social Security Administration (SSA) asking you to appear for a consultative examination (CE) can bring in both a sense of relief and concern in you; relief because you have succ
How Are Social Security Disability (and SSI) Backpayments Calculated?
Most people who are approved for Social Security disability benefits receive a substantial amount of backpay. Learn how much you might get.
How Are Social Security Disability (and SSI) Backpayments Calculated?
Most people who are approved for Social Security disability benefits receive a substantial amount of backpay. Learn how much you might get.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision for Social Security Disability?
Decision times can range from under one month to several years.
How to Speed Up Your Social Security Disability Claim
It can take years to get a final decision on your application for Social Security disability benefits.
Can I Apply for Social Security Disability While Collecting Unemployment Benefits?
Collecting unemployment benefits is a factor that judges can consider when they’re deciding your disability case.
Alabama Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out about Alabama's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI.
Alaska Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options
Alaska has Social Security offices in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau.
Arizona Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out about Arizona's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Arkansas Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI in Arkansas and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
California Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance
California pays SSI recipients an extra "state supplement," which helps account for the higher cost of living in much of California.
Colorado Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Disabled Colorado residents can collect SSI from the federal government, a supplement from Aid for the Needy Disabled/Blind from Colorado, and are entitled to receive Medicaid.
Connecticut Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options
If you live in Connecticut and you can't work for a year or more, you may be eligible for either Supplemental Security income (SSI) or Social Security disability (SSDI).
Florida Disability: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Florida provides supplemental payments for SSI but does not provide short-term disability benefits to those who can't work.
Georgia Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out about Georgia's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Hawaii Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI, and TDI
Find out about Hawaii's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Illinois Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
If you live in Illinois and are disabled, you can receive cash assistance through the state's Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD) program or through the federal governments.
Indiana Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out about Indiana's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Iowa Social Security Disability Benefits
Find out about Iowa's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Kansas Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability and SSI
Find out about Kansas' state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Kentucky Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options
For Kentuckians with long-term disabilities, disability benefits are available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) programs or their employer’s worker’s compensation insurance.
Maine Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
If you live in Maine and you're unable to work for medical reasons, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Massachusetts Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out about Massachusetts' state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Minnesota Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options
If you live in Minnesota and can't work due a disability, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI, plus Minnesota Supplemental Aid.
Mississippi Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Residents of Mississippi who suffer an injury or mental condition that makes them unable to earn a living may be eligible for federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration
Missouri Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Appealing
If you live in Missouri and you're unable to work for medical reasons, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Montana Disability Benefits: Filing for Social Security
If you live in Montana and become disabled, you can apply for Social Security disability (SSDI) if you've worked for many years or SSI if you have low income and assets.
Nevada Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
If you live in Nevada and become disabled and are no longer able to work, the federal government offers two programs to provide assistance.
New York Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
If you become disabled and live in New York, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
North Carolina Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Persons with disabilities who live in North Carolina and cannot work may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Ohio Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
The State of Ohio does not provide short-term disability benefits, unlike some other states, but Ohians can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Pennsylvania Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options
Disabled Pennsylvania residents can apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), programs that provide a monthly cash benefit.
Oklahoma Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out about Oklahoma's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Texas Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
Find out about Texas' state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
South Carolina Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
If you live in South Carolina and are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security.