How Do I Apply?

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How do I apply for SSI?

What documentation do I need?

SSI application

How long does it take to get SSI?

How often must I reapply?

What changes do I have to report?

What should I do if I don't speak English?

How do I appeal a denial?

If I am institutionalized, how do I get SSI when I am released?

How do I apply for SSI?

To apply for SSI benefits, you should contact your local SSA office:

• SSA Local Office Search
  This listing gives the address, phone number, and office hours of your local Social Security Administration office, as well as a map and directions.

• Social Security’s toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213
  Toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778
  To speak to a representative, call between 7 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday.

The application process starts when you first contact the SSA. This is the date from which your benefits will be paid if you are found to be eligible. You should apply as soon as possible.

There are several ways to apply:

• You can go to the SSA office in person. You can make an appointment ahead of time so you don't have to wait.

• You can send a friend or family member as your representative. You must sign a form giving your written permission so the SSA knows it is all right to discuss your personal information with this person.

• If you are homebound, SSA can arrange a home visit.

• You can apply by telephone. You should call the SSA office to set up a time for a telephone interview.

What documentation do I need?

You will need some or all of the following documents when you apply for SSI. You will need original documents, not photocopies:

• Social Security number. (If you do not have one, you will need to apply for one.)
• proof of age (birth certificate or a document such as a driver’s license which shows your age or date of birth)
• proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status (certificate of citizenship, U.S. passport or birth certificate, immigration form showing your status)
• proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, other receipts showing how much you receive)
• proof of resources (bank statements, insurance policies, stocks, bonds, car registration, etc.)
• proof of living arrangements (property tax bill, rent receipts, utility bills, food bills, etc.)
• proof of medical condition (medical reports, names and telephone numbers of doctors or other providers of medical services if you are applying as blind or disabled)

Ask your SSI representative which documents you need. Keep a record of what documents you give to SSI, and write down the name and phone number of the representative helping you.

If you cannot get all of the documents you need, Social Security will help you get whatever documents you are missing. Remember that if you are eligible, your benefits will start from the date you file your application. So don't wait to apply just because you don't have your proofs.

SSI application

When you apply, an SSI representative will ask you questions and type your answers into a computer. There is no paper application form for you to fill out. The questions will be about your income, your assets, your living arrangements, and your citizenship status.

If you are applying because you are disabled or blind, you must fill out a disability report in addition to the regular application. If you have access to a computer, you can fill out the disability report before your interview. The report form is on the Social Security Administration web site. There is a disability report form for adults, and a different form for children:

• Adult Disability Report and SSI Adult Disability Starter Kit
• Child Disability Report and SSI Child Disability Starter Kit

If you have not completed the disability form ahead of time, your SSI representative will help you fill it out during your interview.

How long does it take to get SSI?

It usually takes from three to six months to find out if you are eligible for SSI. However, if you are disabled or blind and your condition clearly prevents you from working ("presumptive disability or blindness"), and you appear to meet all other eligibility requirements, you can get SSI earlier, sometimes on the day you apply. Once you are approved for SSI, you will get benefits retroactive to the date of application.

If you do not qualify for presumptive disability or blindness benefits, you can apply for Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) while you wait for SSI approval. EAEDC will give you short-term benefits while you wait for SSI benefits. Once SSI benefits start, EAEDC benefits will stop. See EAEDC for eligibility and application information.

How often must I reapply?

Once you are getting SSI, you do not have to reapply. However, you must report any important changes that might affect your eligibility or payment amount (for example, if your income changes). The Social Security Administration will review your eligibility and benefit level from time to time. If you are disabled or blind, SSA will also check your medical condition.

What changes do I have to report?

You must report changes that can affect your eligibility or payment amount within 10 days after the month in which they happen. If you fail to report a change, you may be charged a penalty.

You should report the following types of changes:

• If you change your address
• If your household size changes
• If your income or resources change
• If you get some help with your living expenses
• If you move to or from an institution (such as a nursing home, hospital, or jail)
• If you get married, separated or divorced
• If you leave the United States
• If you start or stop attending school
• If your spouse or anyone in your household dies
• If there is a change in your disability.

It is very important that you report changes in income to Social Security to avoid an underpayment or overpayment. Filing annual income taxes is not enough. Social Security needs current monthly income information.

What should I do if I don't speak English?

If you do not speak English, or if you use sign language, the Social Security office will provide an interpreter for you at no cost. If you prefer, or you may bring a family member or friend to translate for you.

How do I appeal a denial?

If Social Security does not approve your application for SSI, you have the right to appeal the decision. Your denial notice will tell you why you were not approved, and will include instructions on how to file an appeal. You have 60 days from the date you received your denial notice to file an appeal.

The appeal procedure depends on whether you were denied because of medical reasons, or because of other reasons. For more information and instructions, see Your Right to Question the Decision Made on Your Claim. An appeal can take from 3 to 6 months.

You do not need a lawyer to file an appeal, but you may want to get legal advice, especially if your first appeal is denied. You can get free legal advice from your local Legal Services office, or by calling the Legal Advocacy and Resource Center Hotline at 1-800-342-LAWS. See Legal Services Program and Legal Advocacy and Resource Center for more information.

If I am institutionalized, how do I get SSI when I am released?

In most cases, you are not eligible for standard SSI benefits while you are in a public institution or any Medicaid-funded facility for a full calendar month or more. (Note: There are exceptions for short stays of 90 days or less.) If you are institutionalized but plan to return to community living, you can apply for SSI under a special "prerelease" program.

SSI's prerelease program allows you to apply for SSI several months before your anticipated release date so you can get benefits shortly after you leave the institution. Many institutions have prerelease agreements with local Social Security to handle SSI applications for their residents. However, if your institution does not have an agreement, you can file an application for SSI under the prerelease procedures yourself. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for more information.