Social Security Disability: Application For Benefits

The application for Social Security disability (SSD) or SSI disability is very easy to initiate and file.

Starting Your Application Online

For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you have the option of getting your application for disability benefits started by going online to the Social Security administration website. SSDI is for workers who have paid Social Security taxes into the system for the required number of years. You cannot apply online for SSI disability benefits (Supplemental Security Income, for those with low income and assets). However, even if you qualify for SSDI, you may want to apply in person so that you have an opportunity to ask questions.

Starting at Your Local Office

For most disability applicants, the safest and easiest method of filing a disability application will be to contact the Social Security office closest to where you live and inform that office that you wish to apply for disability. Whether or not your disability application will be for Social Security disability or SSI will be determined by the Social Security office.

Once you have informed the Social Security office that you wish to apply for disability benefits, an appointment will be scheduled for an interview to be conducted. This interview may be conducted in person at the Social Security office, or over the phone. If you choose, or are requested, to have a phone interview, all of the necessary paperwork will be mailed to your home.

Disability Application

There are several forms you'll need to file, depending on whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI.

SSDI

To apply for SSDI, you'll need to fill out Form SSA-16-BK, Application for Disability Insurance Benefits and Form SSA-3368-BK, Adult Disability Report.

SSI

To apply for SSI, you'll need to fill out Form SSA-8000-BK, Application for Supplemental Security Income, plus either Form SSA-3368-BK, Adult Disability Report or Form SSA-3820-BK, Disability Report-Child.

Next Steps

For more information on what happens to a claim after you apply, you may wish to read You've applied for disability benefits, what happens next?

To learn more about how the SSA will determine whether you are disabled, read about the Social Security Disability Evaluation Process.