How to Apply for Disability Programs
Disability programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are programs that are designed to individuals with a disability that have moderate to low income. These programs are available to anyone who is a United States citizen and meets the eligibility requirements for the program, such as having a temporary or permanent disability and maximum income guidelines.
- Locate the nearest Social Security Administration office by looking in the front of the local phone book in the "Government" listings. Write down the address and telephone number of this office.
- Visit the local office and let them know that you would like to apply for disability benefits. You will be asked to take a number and wait for it to be called. Make sure that you bring important documents with you such as a Social Security card, picture ID and proof of any current income.
- Wait for the number you have to be called by an SSA customer service representative.
- Explain to the representative that you would like to apply for disability benefits. The representative will be able to pull up the information by the Social Security number of the applicant to determine if SSDI is available to be collected.
- Fill out the application that you are provided with for benefits in its entirety. You want to be as thorough as possible and include as much information as you can on the disability as well as medications and treatments that are used to treat this disability.
- Turn in the application and wait for it to be processed. The turnaround time on a disability claim can sometimes take 6 months or more, so be prepared to wait.