If you have a disability that prevents you from working, Social Security can help. Here's how.
By Jonathan Weller
Social Security has two disability programs: one based on work, the other based on need.
Credit: @uns__nstudio/Unsplash
If you paid into Social Security through your job and have a disabling condition, you may be able to get benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Your benefits are based on past earnings, reflecting contributions to the Social Security fund. If you are 31 or older, you generally must have worked five out of the past 10 years to be eligible for SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. If you’re 65 and older, you may be eligible for SSI if you meet certain income and resource limits.
Our adult definition of disability is the same for both programs. You must have a medical condition that:
Prevents you from doing substantial work.
Is expected to last at least one year or end in death.
Our childhood definition of disability is different. Minor children must have a condition that:
Very seriously limits their activities.
Is expected to last at least one year or end in death.
To learn if you may be eligible for one or both of our disability programs, visit our Benefits webpage.
How Can I Apply for SSDI?
You can use our online application to apply for disability benefits if:
You are age 18 or older.
You do not receive benefits on your own Social Security earnings record.
Your previous disability application was denied more than 60 days ago.
If you are unable to complete the application online, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 800.772.1213, between 8 am and 7 pm, your local time.
Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can use the TTY number: 800.325.0778.
If you received a disability denial notice within the last 65 days and you disagree with our determination, you can file an appeal.
How Can I Apply for SSI?
Applying for SSI is now easier with our simplified online application. In the past, adults could apply online for SSDI and select the “intent to file for SSI”. Our new online disability application includes a streamlined version of the initial SSI application.
You can use our online application to apply for SSI if you:
• Are 18-64 years and 10 months and are applying for SSI and SSDI.
• Have never been married.
• Have never applied for SSI for yourself or a child.
• Are a U.S. citizen. Note: Some noncitizens may be able to use the online application if they meet SSI eligibility requirements.
If you can’t apply online for SSI, you can make an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
What About Medicare and Medicaid?
Like SSDI and SSI, Medicare and Medicaid are two different programs.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for workers 65 and older and their eligible family members. If you’re younger than 65, you may be eligible for Medicare if you have end stage renal failure or get disability benefits. After you’ve received SSDI for 24 months, we’ll automatically enroll you in Medicare.
For more information about Medicare, read our publication or visit Medicare.gov.
Medicaid is a state-run program that provides health coverage for people who have low income. In most states, people who get SSI may be automatically eligible for Medicaid. Their SSI application is also an application for Medicaid. In other states, a separate application is needed.
To get more information or to apply for Medicaid, you can call your state medical assistance office or visit Medicaid.gov.
Jonathan Weller is a social insurance specialist in the external affairs team at the Social Security Administration.
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If you have a disability that prevents you from working, Social Security can help. Here's how.