Apply for Disability Benefits
- Review the Adult Disability Checklist
- Complete the Disability Benefit Application
- Complete the Adult Disability Report
- Complete the Authorization to Disclose Information form (SSA-827). You can do this electronically as part of your Adult Disability Report or print and mail the form to your Social Security Office.
Apply for Disability Check Application Status Appeal Our Recent Medical Decision
Why should I apply online?
Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:
- You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment;
- You can apply from the convenience of your own home or on any computer; and
- You avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.
Who can use the online application?
You can use the online application to apply for benefits if you:
- are age 18 or older;
- are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record;
- have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify; and
- have a medical condition that has prevented you from working or is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or end in death.
Note
To apply for a child, please go to Applying for Disability Benefits for Children.
If your application has recently been denied, the Internet Appeal is a starting point to request a review of our decision about your eligibility for disability benefits.
If You Already Receive Disability Benefits...
Online Services
- Get a replacement Medicare card
- Get or change a password
(Not available for SSI) - Check your Social Security information or benefits
See the contact, direct deposit, Medicare and payment information we have on file for you.
(Password required) - Request a proof of income letter
Get a letter that verifies your Social Security benefit information.
(Includes Medicare and SSI) - Get a Form 1099/1042S -- Social Security Benefit Statement
Replace the lost, damaged, or missing tax summary of your Social Security benefits for 2011.
(Not available for SSI) - Change your address or telephone number
(Not available for SSI) - Change or sign up for direct deposit
(Password required) - Block electronic and automated telephone access to your personal information
- Select or change the way you receive information from Social Security if you are blind or visually impaired
Important Information
- What you must report to us
- Employment support for people with disabilities
- Work incentives for people with disabilities
- When benefits may end
- What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits
(Publication No. 05-10153) - Taxes and your benefits
- Living outside the U.S.
- What to do if you disagree with a decision we make
- What to do when someone dies
- 2011 schedule of payments
- 2012 schedule of payments
Learn About Disability Benefits
- Disability publications
- Research
- Adults disabled before age 22
- Disability Planner
- Information for Representatives
- More...
Healthcare Information
- Health Information from Department of Health and Human Services
- Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
- Health Benefits Under COBRA
What about SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits to disabled adults and children with limited income and resources.