Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for Disability Benefits

Before you start the application process, it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI or SSI:

• SSDI: You must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years (usually 5 out of the last 10 years) and have a medical condition that qualifies as a disability.
• SSI: You must be 65 or older, or under 65 with a disability, and have limited income and resources

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we can help assess your situation and determine the best option for you.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documents

Before beginning your online application, it’s important to gather all the necessary documentation. Having these documents on hand will make the process smoother and quicker:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• Medical records: Documentation of your disability, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatments you’ve received.
• Employment history: Details of your past jobs, including the names and addresses of employers, dates worked, and the type of work performed.
• Income and resource information: For SSI, include documentation of your income, bank statements, tax returns, and any other financial resources.

Step 3: Create an Account with the SSA

To apply for disability benefits online, you’ll need to create a personal account on the Social Security Administration’s website. Here’s how to do it:

• Visit the Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov.
• Select “Apply for Disability” under the “Disability Benefits” section.
• Click on “Create an Account” to register for a personal my Social Security account. If you already have an account, simply log in.

Your my Social Security account will allow you to track the status of your application, communicate with the SSA, and access your benefit information once your claim is processed.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Once you’ve created your account and gathered your documents, it’s time to complete the application. The online application is structured to ask for essential information, including:

• Your personal information, such as name, address, and phone number.
• Details about your disability, including when it started, how it affects your ability to work, and any treatments you’ve undergone.
• Employment history (for SSDI applicants), including your work history over the last 15 years.
• Medical records that support your claim.

The online application is broken into sections, and you can save your progress and complete it at your own pace. It’s important to fill out every section completely and accurately to avoid delays.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve filled out the online application, double-check your information to make sure everything is correct. After reviewing it, click “Submit” to send your application to the SSA.

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation message indicating that your application has been received. You’ll also get a receipt with a tracking number that you can use to follow up on the status of your application.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

After submitting your application, the SSA will review your case. This may take several months, as they need to evaluate your medical records, work history (for SSDI), and financial situation (for SSI). If additional information is required, the SSA will reach out to you.

During this waiting period, you can track your application status online through your my Social Security account.