How to Apply for Disability Benefits If You’re Homeless or Have No Fixed Address

The Social Security Administration (SSA) expressly states that people experiencing homelessness have the same rights and privileges when applying for disability benefits as those who have stable housing. While the agency does require a mailing address to send important correspondence, if you don’t have a fixed address, there are several workarounds that can help you get your notifications or payments in a timely manner. Before you file for disability, it’s a good idea to learn about some policies and procedures that are especially useful for homeless applicants.

How Homeless People With Disabilities Can Apply for Social Security Benefits

The SSA provides several ways you can apply for disability benefits. The best method for you will depend on convenience and how comfortable you are with technology.

• You can apply online at Social Security’s official website. If you don’t have your own personal internet device, libraries typically provide public computers you can use to complete the application and print out a hard copy of any needed documents.
• You can call the SSA national hotline at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• You can go in person to your nearest Social Security field office to start an application. Keep in mind that the agency won’t pay for your transportation to a field office to apply, and you’ll likely need to make an appointment ahead of time.

Some organizations (such as legal aid) that advocate for people experiencing homelessness may also be able to help you with your disability paperwork. If you have a social services caseworker, for example, you may want to ask them to assist you in filling out the application.

What Address Do I Put On My Disability Application If I’m Homeless?

You can use any reliable mailing address on your application for SSDI or SSI. The address doesn’t have to be permanent. For example, you may use the address of:

• shelters or transitional housing
• a friend or relative who agrees to accept mail on your behalf
• a caseworker or social services agency, with their consent
• a post office (P.O.) box, or
• “general delivery,” a free service that lets you collect your mail directly at the post office.

Make sure that the address is at a location that you can access safely and check regularly. The SSA will mail you forms that you’ll need to complete, such as medical records release forms and an activities of daily living questionnaire, as well as the agency’s decisions on your claim.

Getting Benefits When You’re Homeless and on Disability

If you’re awarded disability benefits, the SSA offers several ways for you to get your payments that don’t involve having a permanent address:

• the money can be directly deposited into your bank account (if you have one)
• the SSA can issue a Direct Express card that automatically refills with your benefit amount every month
• the benefits can be mailed to a trusted third party, or
• you can assign a representative payee to receive and manage your funds.

Direct Express is often the most practical choice if you don’t have stable housing or a bank account (it works like a regular debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals), but you should consider which approach makes the most sense for you.

How to Stay in Touch With Social Security If You Don’t Have a Fixed Address

If you don’t respond to letters or phone calls, the SSA may consider you a “lost claimant” and deny your application. And if you are awarded disability, the agency will still need to contact you to notify you of any changes in your payment amount or to schedule a continuing disability review (CDR). Failure to return the CDR paperwork can result in termination of benefits, so it’s important that you stay on top of your communications with Social Security.

Keeping in contact with the SSA doesn’t have to be a huge chore. If you regularly check your mailing address, you’ll be less likely to miss important notifications. If you need a reliable phone, you may qualify for Lifeline Assistance, a federal program that lowers the cost of phone or internet service for eligible participants. You can also designate a representative to receive SSA communications on your behalf. Finally, let Social Security know as soon as your address changes, regardless of whether or not it’s permanent.

Emergency Help for People Who Are Disabled and Homeless

Social Security’s Dire Needs Program can expedite disability decisions for people who are in extreme financial distress, such as homelessness. If you applied for SSI, you may also be eligible for interim public assistance, which allows states to loan you some money to tide you over while you wait on your disability decision. (For more information, see our article on getting financial assistance while waiting on disability.)

Several organizations prioritize people with disabilities who need shelter immediately. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for example, offers housing vouchers, which you can request from your local Continuum of Care (CoC) community housing coordinators. You can also call 211 to find emergency housing in your area.

Disability Benefits for Homeless Veterans

Being homeless doesn’t disqualify homeless veterans from getting disability compensation from the VA any more than it disqualifies them from Social Security benefits. The logistics of filing for VA benefits as a homeless veteran are very similar to those of filing for SSDI or SSI, although VA compensation requires you to establish service-connection, which isn’t a factor that Social Security considers.

You’ll need to complete Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation, which you can do online, over the phone at 800-827-1000 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, or in person at your local VA office. You may want to get a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you file your claim and assist with any needed appeals. If you are approved for benefits, then—as with Social Security—the VA can arrange to pay you directly or through a designated third party, regardless of whether you have a fixed address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Disability and Homelessness

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers about what to do if you’re disabled and homeless.

Should I Tell Social Security That I’m Homeless?

Yes, you should disclose your living situation as early as possible in the application process. This can clear up any communication misunderstandings that may arise and you may be eligible for expedited processing.

What If I’m About to Turn 18 and Age Out of My Foster Care Home?

Disabled minors who are in foster care usually can’t become eligible for SSI until after the foster care payments have ended. But Social Security may accept an SSI application from a youth up to 180 days before foster care eligibility ends.

Can I Apply for SSI Before I’m Released from Jail?

Yes, you can file an application for SSI under a prerelease procedure if you anticipate being released from jail or prison within 30 days of notification that you’re potentially eligible for SSI.