To apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, you'll need records of all the doctors you've seen, hospitals you've stayed in, medication that you take, and jobs you've had in the last five years. There are several ways to apply: online, in person, and over the phone. Here's what you need to know, whether you're applying the first time or trying to get your disability benefits back.
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 file online.
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.
Get Disability Benefits Back Using Expedited Reinstatement
If your Social Security benefits were terminated because you went back to work, you may be able to get them reinstated quickly.
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, but some SSI applicants can qualify fort immediate benefits.
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.
How Are Social Security Disability (and SSI) Back Payments 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) Back Payments 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.
Find out about Alaska's state supplemental payments and how the PFD affects SSI payments.
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 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 SSDI and SSI Benefits
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 SSDI and SSI Benefits
If you live in Connecticut and you can't work for a year or more, you may be eligible for either SSDI or SSI disability benefits.
How Florida SSDI and SSI Benefits Work
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 SSDI, SSI, and TDI Benefits
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.
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 Social Security Disability and SSI Benefits
For Kentuckians with long-term disabilities, disability benefits are available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) programs.
How Maine Social Security Disability Benefits Work
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: SSDI, SSI and SSP
Find out about Massachusetts' state supplemental payments (SSP), plus how to appeal a denial of benefits and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Minnesota SSDI and SSI Benefits
If you live in Minnesota and can't work due a disability, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI, plus Minnesota Supplemental Aid.
How Mississippi SSDI and SSI Benefits Work
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 Social Security Disability Benefits and SSI
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).
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.
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).
Find out about Ohio's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Pennsylvania Social Security Disability and SSI Benefits
Disabled Pennsylvania residents can apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), programs that provide a monthly cash benefit.
Oklahoma SSDI and SSI Benefits
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.
Here's how you can apply for disability benefits in Texas and where to go if you need to appeal a denial.
South Carolina Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI
South Carolina residents who aren't able to work full-time due to a medical condition may qualify for SSDI or SSI.