How to Apply for Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Sep 19, 2026

Step-by-step guidance for applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), covering the initial application, reconsideration, and hearing stages. It explains how to apply online or by scheduling an SSA interview, which forms to expect (including a Disability Report), and how analysts evaluate claims using medical and employment history. It also details appeal timelines after denial (request for reconsideration within 65 days) and timelines for written decisions and hearings.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

The Initial Application

How to Apply Online or by Interview

Disability Report and Analyst Review

Denial and Request for Reconsideration

The Reconsideration Stage

Second Disability Report and Record Gathering

Written Decision and Next Step

The Hearing Stage

Scheduling a Hearing and Getting Help

HOW TO APPLY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) AND/OR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI) THE INITIAL APPLICATION How you can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits: 1) Online at [https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib. Fill](https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib. Fill) out the disability application and answer the questions. For more information, visit [https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/?tl=5](https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/?tl=5) . Before you apply online, you can review the “Adult Disability Starter Kit” which provides answers to common questions and includes a checklist that will help you gather the information you will need to apply. Be sure to fill out these worksheets to ensure that you have all the [necessary information. You may also visit www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ for more](necessary information. You may also visit www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ for more) information on the application process. OR Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to schedule an interview. You can call the tollfree telephone number: 1-800-772-1213 between 9:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Friday.(TTY 800-325-0778) . This phone call serves as the date of your application and may affect the amount of retroactive benefits you may receive.1 A representative will ask for information to verify that you meet the basic requirements for eligibility and then schedule an appointment to discuss your application with a representative at a local SSA office. You may have the option to conduct this initial interview in person or by telephone.2 2) Before the initial interview, you may receive a form in the mail from SSA asking for detailed information regarding your past and present medical and employment histories. If you do not receive this form in the mail before the interview, you will get one at the initial interview. This form is called a Disability Report.3 To make the interview as easy as possible and speed up the processing time of your application, you should gather the names, addresses and phone numbers of your doctors and past and present employers before your meeting, and fill out the form to the best of your ability. If you do not receive the form before the interview, bring the names and contact information with you to the interview. 3) After the initial interview, your claim will be sent to an analyst at a state disability agency who will decide your eligibility. The analyst will contact you by phone or mail acknowledging your application for disability benefits.4 The analyst may request additional information from you before deciding on your claim and you may submit additional evidence about your disability. 1 SSI-20 CFR 416.345 SSDI-POMS GN 00204.010 2 POMS GN 00203.001 3 POMS DI 20501.025 4 POMS DI 12555.025 You also may be scheduled for an exam with a doctor contracted by SSA to give an opinion about your disability.5 Once your application is completed, you should receive an approval or denial of your claim within six to nine months. 4) If your application is denied, you will need to fill out a Request for Reconsideration form to appeal the decision. You have 65 days from the date on your denial notice to file a Request for Reconsideration.6 Tips to Remember: • A delay may result in a loss of benefits for which you are entitled Call 1-800-772-1213 immediately when you apply • Be sure to list all medical conditions that you believe may interfere with your ability to work • Respond promptly to requests for information or SSA may deny your claim based on noncooperation THE RECONSIDERATION STAGE Most people are denied at the initial stage of application, so it is important that you continue with your claim by filing a Request for Reconsideration. You also will be asked to fill out another Disability Report to update your medical treatment history7. After you file the Request for Reconsideration form,

FAQs

How can I apply for SSI and/or SSDI?

You can apply online by completing the disability application and answering the required questions, or you can contact the SSA to schedule an interview. The phone call date serves as the application date and may affect retroactive benefits.

What happens after the initial interview?

After the interview, SSA sends the claim to a disability analyst at a state disability agency to decide eligibility. The analyst may request additional information and you may be scheduled for a medical exam contracted by SSA.

If my request for reconsideration is denied, what are my next options and deadlines?

You should consider filing for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The document states you have 65 days from the date printed on the denial of the request for reconsideration letter to file for the hearing.

Sep 19, 2026

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