How to apply for SSDI and SSI

How to apply

• You can apply for SSDI online, by phone, or at a local office.
• SSA has offered a simpler online SSI application since December 2024. SSA first takes basic facts, then an SSA worker follows up after the medical decision.
• You also fill out the Adult Disability Report (Form SSA-3368). It asks about your conditions, treatment, and work.
• Form SSA-827 lets SSA get your medical records from your doctors and hospitals.
• A state agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the medical decision for SSA. It may ask you to go to a free exam (a consultative exam) if it needs more information.
• If you tell SSA in writing (or by phone, or by starting the online form) that you plan to apply, that date can count as your application date. For SSDI, you must then finish the application within 6 months after SSA sends you a notice. For SSI, you have 60 days after that notice.
• Since April 2025, SSA asks for stronger identity checks for some phone requests, such as changing direct deposit and certain flagged claims. It uses a one-time PIN (Security Authentication PIN) or an office visit.

Phone and local office

Phone

1-800-772-1213 · TTY 1-800-325-0778

Local office

Find a Social Security office

In Spanish

SSA has free interpreters and a Spanish website. https://www.ssa.gov/espanol/

What to have ready

• Your medical providers' names, addresses, phone numbers, and visit dates
• Names of your medicines and tests
• Your work history (jobs in the past years)
• A signed SSA-827 so SSA can get your records
• For SSI: facts about your income, bank accounts, and other resources

Applying for SSI online

SSI can be applied for online through SSA's simplified online SSI application (since December 2024), by phone, or in person.

Save your filing date

A written statement of intent to claim benefits, a phone call (SSA writes it down), or starting the online application can set your filing date. For SSDI, you must file the full application within 6 months after SSA's notice. For SSI, you must file it within 60 days after SSA's notice.

Guides

• SSDI vs SSI
• What counts as a disability
• How much SSDI and SSI pay
• How to appeal a denial
• Lawyers and representatives
• After you are approved
• If you were overpaid
• Scams
• Free help
• Appeal deadline calculator
• Appeal cover letter

Sources

• 91 FR 67380 (Oct. 26, 2026), Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2027
• POMS GN 00203.011
• 20 CFR 404.630(b); 91 FR 30360 (May 22, 2026)
• SSA notice, 91 FR 30360 (May 22, 2026); 91 FR 13916 (Mar. 23, 2026)
• SSA notice, Disability Report-Adult, OMB 0960-0579 (Sept. 24, 2026); POMS DI 11005.045
• POMS DI 11005.055
• 20 CFR 404.1503; 20 CFR 404.1517
• 20 CFR 404.630 (SSDI); 20 CFR 416.340(c) and 416.345(d) (SSI)
• SSA notice, 90 FR 16583 (Apr. 18, 2025)
• POMS DI 11005.045 (SSA-3368)
• 20 CFR 404.1560(b); POMS DI 11005.045
• 20 CFR 416.1201; 20 CFR 416.1205