If you feel that you are no longer able to work because of physical and/or mental reasons, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payments.To be considered disabled, you must be unable to perform any substantial work due to a physical and/or mental condition, which has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months or can be expected to result in death. SSDI eligibility is based on previous contributions to Social Security, and SSI eligibility is based on your income level.If you are found eligible for SSI payments, you may also qualify for State Supplemental Payments (SSP). You may apply for SSDI or SSI at any Social Security office.If you have a child or children with a disability, you may also apply for SSI on their behalf. For more information about SSDI and SSI, or to apply online, please visit the Social Security Administration's website.You can also locate your nearest Social Security office using this website. Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. Average Time of Transaction 60+ Minutes Apply TOP Apply for Federal Disability Benefits Share Sections
OverviewOverviewWhat is Social Security Disability Insurance? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a Federal disability income program for adults who have worked and now find themselves unable to work due to a disability. What is Supplemental Security Income? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is Federal program for adults and children who meet the definition of disabled and have limited income and resources. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Next Section ContinueBenefits BenefitsBenefitsHow does it work? Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.
Next Section ContinueEligibility EligibilityEligibilityThe definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments. Visit SSA’s website to see how they decide if you are disabled. Next Section ContinueHow To How ToHow ToRefer to this step by step process to apply for disability benefits. You can save your application as you go.
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Download the checklist for the Online Adult Disability Application from the Social Security Administration’s website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/hlp/radr/10/ovw001-checklist.pdf Next Section ContinueApply ApplyApplyApply for Social Security Disability Insurance APPLY ONLINE Apply by phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Apply in person: Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.) Apply for Social Security Income There is no online SSI Application. Schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TYY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm. |