sign social security disability benefits

How to sign up for social security disability benefits

Disability Home

Frequently Asked Questions

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

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.


When you apply for either program, we will collect medical and other information from you and make a decision about whether or not you meet Social Security's definition of disability. Periodically, we will need updated information about your condition.  You may receive a Disability Update Report (SSA-455).  This form can now be completed online.

Use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to find out which programs may be able to pay you benefits.

If your application has recently been denied, the Internet Appeal is a starting point to request a review of our decision about your eligibility for disability benefits.

If your application is denied for:

  • Medical reasons, you can complete and submit the required Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online.

    The disability report asks you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests or doctor visits since we made our decision.

  • Non-medical reasons, you should contact your local Social Security Office to request the review. You also may call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to request an appeal. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

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SSI For People Ages 18 To 64 (En español)

How To Apply for SSI

Apply Online

  • To start your application, go to our Apply for Benefits page, and read and agree to the Terms of Service. Click “Next.”
  • On that page, review the “Getting Ready” section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
  • Gather the information and documents you need to apply. The Adult Disability Checklist provides the information you need to complete the application.
  • Select “Start A New Application.”
  • We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
  • You will then sign in to your my Social Security account, or you will be prompted to create one.
  • Complete the application.

Apply Online for SSI and Disability Benefits

Signing the Online Application

You will have a chance to review your answers and make changes, if needed. Once you’ve filled everything out, we will ask you to confirm that your answers are true to the best of your knowledge.

The last step is to sign the online application by agreeing to the signature terms and then clicking “Submit Now.” You can check the status of your submitted application using a confirmation number we provide.

If someone else submits the online application on your behalf, one of our representatives will contact you by phone to:

  • Verify your intent to file.
  • Confirm the information provided.
  • Obtain any additional information needed.
  • Offer you the opportunity to provide your verbal consent to sign the application.

We will also mail you a paper copy of the Application Summary for your records.

Read more about Helping Someone Apply Online.

Apply By Phone

Call us to make an appointment to file your application at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Apply With Your Local Office

Call to make an appointment with your local Social Security office.

The Application Process

Once You've Applied

Once you’ve applied, we’ll review it to make sure you meet the basic requirements and contact you if we have any questions. We might request additional documents from you before we can process your application.

We will evaluate your current work activities. Then, we will process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state. This state agency completes the disability determination for us.

Look For Our Response

You’ll receive a letter in the mail with our decision.

Check The Status

You can check the status of your SSI application online using your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to check your status online, call us 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to check the status of the application.

Appeal A Decision

You have a right to appeal any decision we make about whether you’re entitled to payments. You must request an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving our decision.

To learn more, visit Appeal A Decision.

Once You Start Receiving SSI

You must inform us of certain changes

You must report the changes listed here, because they may affect your eligibility for SSI and your payment amount.

When Do You Need to Report?

Report all changes that may affect your SSI as soon as possible and no later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred.

Reporting your income

You can report your income to us in writing, by phone, online, or through our Smartphone app. Visit our SSI Wage Reporting page to learn more.

Manage your SSI information with a my Social Security account

Once you are receiving SSI, your my Social Security account provides personalized tools. You can use my Social Security to:

  • Opt out of certain mailed notices.
  • Get a benefit verification letter.
  • Request a replacement Social Security number card (in most states).
  • Set up or change Advance Designation of a Representative Payee.

What's the quickest you can get disability?

All SSDI claims are subject to a waiting period for benefits. The earliest payments can start is five months from the date that Social Security determines your disability began, based on the medical evidence you provide.

What conditions qualify for disability in PA?

You must be unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and. Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year, or be expected to result in your death.

What is considered to be a disability?

The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

How much do you get for disability in New York State?

Disability benefits are equal to 50 percent of the employee's average weekly wage for the last eight weeks worked, with a maximum benefit of $170 per week (WCL §204). If counting the last week in which the disability began lowers the benefit rate, it is not included in determining average weekly wage.

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