Apply for Disability Benefits
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- 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.
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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.