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Disability & SSI |
www.socialsecurity.gov |
Qualify and ApplyUpdated: July 2005 |
Find out if you're eligible for Social Security Benefits |
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) |
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Overview |
We pay disability benefits under two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. If you qualify, apply for Social Security disability benefits online. No matter what kind of disability benefits you are applying for, you must give us information about your medical, work, and education history to help us decide if you are disabled.
Detailed information about each of these programs is available at the following websites:
For most people, the medical requirements for disability payments are the same under both programs, and your disability is determined by the same process. Use our Disability Planner to find out medical and earnings requirements, what happens once youre approved, and more. Our calculators can give you an estimate of disability benefit amounts based on your record if you should become disabled. If you get Social Security (not SSI) disability benefits you possibly could be eligible for Medicare. SSI is a program run by Social Security that pays monthly checks to the elderly, the blind and people with disabilities who don't own much or who don't have much income. If you get SSI, you usually get food stamps and Medicaid, too. Medicaid helps pay doctor and hospital bills. While eligibility for Social Security disability is based on prior work under Social Security, SSI disability payments are made on the basis of financial need. Children may qualify for disability benefits under either the Social Security program or the SSI program. |
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Who Can Get Social Security Disability Benefits |
You can get Social Security disability benefits until age 65. When you reach age 65, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same. Certain members of your family may qualify for benefits on your record. They include:
If you become the parent of a child (including an adopted child) after you begin receiving Social Security benefits, be sure to notify us so that we can determine if the child qualifies for benefits. For more information about disability benefits for children, ask Social Security for the booklet, Benefits for Children With Disabilities (Publication No. 05-10026).
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How to Apply for Disability Benefits |
Apply as soon as you become disabled. You can file:
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How to Speed Up Your Disability Claim |
It generally takes from 3 to 5 months to process claims for disability benefits. You can help shorten the process by bringing certain documents with you when you apply and helping us to get any other medical evidence you need to show you are disabled. These include:
You also should be ready to answer other questions we must ask. Don't delay filing for benefits just because you don't have all the information and documents you need. The people at the Social Security office will be glad to help you. |
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Who Can Get SSI Benefits |
To get SSI benefits, you must be elderly or blind or have a disability.
You must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands and be a U.S. citizen or national. (Certain non-citizens also may be eligible for SSI. A Social Security representative can tell you if you qualify.) Also, the things you own and your income must be below certain amounts. See our publication on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Publication No. 05-11000) for details about the income limits. |
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How Much You Can Get from SSI |
The amount of your benefit depends on where you live. You could get more if you live in a state that adds to the SSI check.
Or you could get less if you or your family has other money coming in
each month. Your living arrangements also make a difference in whether
you can get SSI and the amount you can get. |
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How to Sign Up for SSI Benefits |
Call our toll-free number, You should have the following things before you apply. Even if you don't have them all, sign up anyway. The people in the Social Security office can help you get what you need. Please bring:
Also bring your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution, so you can have your benefits deposited directly into your account. Direct deposit protects you from loss or theft of your check, or delays in the mail. The money is always on time and ready for you to use without making a trip to the bank. |
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Last reviewed or modified Thursday Sep 29, 2005 |