Apply for Federal Disability Benefits

How does it work?

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

• The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.
• Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid starting six months from the onset date of the disability, but no more than 12 months prior to application.
• A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

• The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your income and resources.
• SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be paid from the month of application
• A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

• You cannot do work that you did before;
• We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.

Visit SSA’s website to see how they decide if you are disabled.

Refer to this step by step process to apply for disability benefits. You can save your application as you go.

1. Check to see if you meet the requirements to apply online for disability
2. Gather the information you need to complete the application
3. Go To SSA Online Services
4. Enter your information for your claim
5. Submit your online application with the Federal Social Security Administration
6. A disability analyst from the NYS Division of Disability Determinations will review your case and determine whether or not you are disabled according to federal guidelines.

Ready? Have with you:

• Birth and citizenship information:
  • Permanent resident card number (If you are not a U.S. Citizen)
• Marriage and divorce information:
  • Spouse(s) date of birth and SSN
• Names and birth dates of children
• U.S. Military Service information
• Employment details for current year and prior 2 years
• Bank information for direct deposit
• Name and contact information for someone who can help you with your claim
• Contact information for your doctors, hospitals and clinics:
  • Information on where additional medical records can be obtained such as vocational rehabilitation services, and workers’ compensation
  • Job History:
    • Date your medical condition began to affect your ability to work
    • Information on additional jobs you have had
  • Your education and training information

Download the checklist for the Online Adult Disability Application from the Social Security Administration’s website.

Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance

APPLY ONLINE

Apply by phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Apply in person: Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)

Apply for Social Security Income

There is no online SSI Application. Schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TYY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm.