Disability Benefits | How You Apply (En español)

How You Apply

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. If you are ready to apply now, you can:

If you want to apply in person, please call and make an appointment before you visit your local office.

If you wish to help another person apply for disability benefits, please read Helping Someone Apply Online.

Information You Need To Apply

Here is the kind of information you should have:

Information About You

  • Your Social Security number and proof of your age;
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that took care of you and the dates of your visits;
  • Names and dosages of all the medications you are taking;
  • Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers, that you already have in your possession;
  • Laboratory and test results;
  • A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did; and
  • Your most recent W-2 form or, if you were self-employed, a copy of your federal tax return.

Information About Family Members

  • Social Security numbers and proof of age for each family member who may qualify for benefits; and
  • Proof of marriage, if your spouse is applying for benefits, as well as dates of prior marriages, if applicable.
The documents you may need to show us must be original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or bring them to Social Security. We will make photocopies and return your original documents.

If you don't have all the documents you need, don't delay filing for benefits. We will help you get the information you need.

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.

The online Application for Benefits also includes links to information that will help you complete the form.

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.

If you disagree with our decision, you have the right to ask us to look at your application again. The notice you receive from us that says you don't qualify will explain how to appeal our decision and the time period in which you must make the request.

If we decide you don't qualify:

  • Because you are not disabled under our rules, you can appeal our decision online.

    The online disability report will ask you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests, or doctor visits since we made our decision.

    • Appeal Medical Decision

  • For non-medical reasons, you can appeal our decision online.

    • Appeal Other Decision

    You also may call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appeal. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

People who don't have enough work credits to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits may possibly qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they have limited income and resources.

For more information, please read "Your income and resources" on page 5 of our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) booklet.

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