
Follow these easy steps to apply online for disability:
- To start your application, go to our Apply for Benefits page, and read and agree to the Terms of Service. ...
- On that page, review the “Getting Ready” section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
- Select “Start A New Application.”
- We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
Full Answer
How can I apply for disability through social security?
- Employer Sponsored Short-Term Disability Plans. Many, though not all, employers offer disability insurance for their employees. ...
- State and Local Disability Programs. ...
- Social Security Disability Benefits. ...
- Getting Help with a Social Security Disability Claim. ...
How do you check your Social Security disability application?
Your application status shows:
- Date of filing.
- Current claim location.
- Servicing office location.
- Scheduled hearing date and time.
- Re-entry numbers for incomplete applications.
- Publications that may be of interest to you, depending on your claim and current step in the process.
What you should know before you apply for Social Security disability benefits?
Here are three of the key factors we use to determine if you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits:
- You must have a lasting medical condition so severe that it prevents you from doing the work that you did in the past or adjusting to other types of work;
- Your physical or mental impairment (s) must have lasted or be expected to last at least a year or result in death; and
- You must have worked long enough — and recently enough — in jobs covered by Social Security.
What qualifies you for Social Security disability?
- Lupus
- Vasculitis
- Scleroderma
- Connective Tissue Disease
- Inflammatory Arthritis

What is the easiest way to apply for Social Security disability?
You can apply:Online; or.By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
How long does it take for Social Security benefits to start for a disability What are the criteria for qualifying for these benefits?
Generally, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.
What is the monthly amount for Social Security disability?
SSDI payments range on average between $800 and $1,800 per month. The maximum benefit you could receive in 2020 is $3,011 per month. The SSA has an online benefits calculator that you can use to obtain an estimate of your monthly benefits.
What conditions are considered a disability?
The legal definition of “disability” states that a person can be considered disabled if they are unable to perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medical or physical impairment or impairments which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of ...
What is the most approved disability?
1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.
What should you not say in a disability interview?
Making Statements That Can Hurt Your Claim – Unless you are specifically asked pertinent questions, do not talk about alcohol or drug use, criminal history, family members getting disability or unemployment, or similar topics. However, if you are asked directly about any of those topics, answer them truthfully.
What other benefits can I get with Social Security disability?
If you get SSI, you also may be able to get other benefits, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For more information about SSI, read Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Publication No. 05-11000). After you receive disability benefits for 24 months, you'll be eligible for Medicare.
How do they determine how much you get for disability?
Your benefit amount is based on the quarter with your highest wages earned within the base period. A base period covers 12 months and is divided into four consecutive quarters. The base period includes wages subject to SDI tax that were paid about 5 to 18 months before your disability claim began.
Does disability pay more than Social Security?
In general, SSDI pays more than SSI. Based on data from 2020: The average SSDI payment is $1,258 per month. The average SSI payment is $575 per month.
What is the average time to get approved for disability?
about 3 to 5 monthsGenerally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.
What are the top 10 disabilities?
What Are the Top 10 Disabilities?Nervous System and Sense Organs. ... Intellectual Disabilities. ... Circulatory System. ... Schizophrenic and Other Psychotic Disorders. ... Other Mental Disorders. ... Injuries. ... Organic Mental Disorders. ... Neoplasms. Finally, the 10th top disability comes from neoplasms.More items...
Is anxiety considered a disability?
Anxiety disorders, such as OCD, panic disorders, phobias or PTSD are considered a disability and can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Those with anxiety can qualify for disability if they are able to prove their anxiety makes it impossible to work.
How long does it take to be approved for Social Security disability?
about 3 to 5 monthsGenerally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.
How long does it take to get Social Security disability Once approved?
one to two monthsUnfortunately, Social Security disability claimants typically have to wait one to two months after approval before they will see their first Social Security Disability monthly payment. In most cases, it will take even longer for you to receive your back pay.
Why do you have to wait 5 months for disability?
Applicants can begin to receive benefits starting the sixth month after their established onset date (EOD) due to a mandatory five-month waiting period maintained by the SSA. The purpose of this waiting period is to ensure that applicants have long-term disabilities before they receive any benefits.
What makes someone eligible for SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must fulfill two criteria: You must have worked a specified amount of time in jobs covered by Social Security, and you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disabled.
Who Can Apply For Adult Disability Benefits Online?
You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you: 1. Are age 18 or older; 2. Are not currently receiving benefits on your...
How Do I Apply For Benefits?
Here is what you need to do to apply for benefits online: 1. Print and review the Adult Disability Checklist It will help you gather the informatio...
What Information Do I Need to Apply For Benefits?
We suggest that you have the following information at hand. It will make completing the application much easier.
Information About Your Work
1. The amount of money earned last year and this year 2. The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year 3. A copy of your Soc...
What Documents Do I Need to provide?
We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as: 1. Birth certificate or other proof of birth; 2. Proof of U.S. citizens...
What Are The Advantages of Applying Using Our Online Disability Application Process?
Our online disability application process offers several advantages. You can: 1. Start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait...
What Happens After I Apply?
After we receive your online application, we will: 1. Provide confirmation of your application- either electronically or by mail. 2. Review the app...
What Other Ways Can I Apply?
You can also apply: 1. By phone - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you ca...
How do I apply for disability benefits?
You can apply for Disability benefits online, or if you are unable to complete the application online, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
How long does it take to get SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have a five month waiting period, which means that benefit payments will not begin before the sixth full month of disability. The SSDI waiting period begins the first full month after the date we decide your disability began.
When will I get my ALS disability?
There is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020. We pay Supplemental Security Income (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.
Ways to Apply
You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.
Retirement or Spouse's Benefits
You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.
Disability Benefits
You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.
Appeal a Disability Decision
If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.
Medicare Benefits
You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:
How You Apply
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. If you are ready to apply now, you can:
More Help For Filing Your Claim
Our Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Starter kits are available in English or Spanish for adults and children under age 18.
If Your Application Is Denied
After we review your application and the information you provided, we may decide you do not meet the qualifications for disability benefits.
How do I apply for Social Security?
Other ways to apply: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; or. Contact your local Social Security office. If you do not live in the United States or one of its territories, contact the nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Can I apply for disability online?
Social Security offers an online disability application. Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages: You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment; You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and. You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving ...
Apply for Retirement Benefits
Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when you’re ready to take that step. Our online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment.
Ready To Retire?
Before you apply, take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you’ll need to complete an application.
What age do you have to be to get SSI?
The SSI program provides monthly payments to people who: Are at least age 65 or blind or disabled. Have limited income (wages, pensions, etc.). Have limited resources (the things you own). Are U.S. citizens, nationals of the U.S., or some noncitizens.
Can I get less SSI?
You may get less if you have other income such as wages, pensions, or Social Security benefits. You may also get less if someone pays your household expenses or if you live with a spouse and he or she has income. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less.
What is SSI for kids?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children. SSI provides monthly cash payments to help meet the basic needs of children who have a physical or mental disability or who are blind. If you care for a child or teenager with a disability, and have limited income and savings or other resources, your child may be eligible for SSI.
How long does a disability last?
The condition (s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death. A state agency makes the disability decision. They review the information you give us. They will also ask for information from medical and school sources and other people familiar with the child’s condition (s).
Can a child get SSI at 18?
Children under age 18 can get SSI if they meet Social Security's definition of disability for children and there are limited income and resources in the household . Social Security defines a disability as: The child must have a physical or mental condition (s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and.
