Step 1: Determine Eligibility for SSI

Before you begin the application process, it’s important to confirm your eligibility. To qualify for SSI as an adult, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age/Disability: You must be 65 or older, or you must have a medically verifiable disability or blindness that prevents you from working or limits your ability to do basic work tasks.
• Income and Resources: SSI is a need-based program, so you must have limited income and resources. For 2025, the resource limits are:
• $2,000 for individuals.
• $3,000 for couples. Your income, which includes wages, Social Security benefits, and other sources of support, must also be below a certain threshold. The SSA uses this information to determine if you qualify for SSI payments.

You can apply for SSI even if you have not worked or do not have enough work history to qualify for SSDI.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

To apply for SSI, you will need to provide various documents to support your application. Be prepared to provide:

• Personal Information: Your Social Security number, birth certificate, or other documents proving your identity.
• Medical Records: Documentation of your disability or blindness, including diagnoses, medical records, treatment history, and any medical tests that support your claim. If you see specialists or have multiple health conditions, include their information as well.
• Income and Resources Information: Detailed information about your income (wages, pensions, Social Security benefits) and resources (bank accounts, property, investments). You may need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or financial statements.
• Living Arrangements: The SSA will need to know where you live and details about your living arrangements (whether you live alone or with someone else).
  

Having all this documentation ready will help speed up the application process and ensure your application is complete.

Step 3: Complete the SSI Application

Once you’ve gathered your documents, you can start the SSI application process. There are several ways to apply:

• Online: The quickest way to apply is through the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov. You can start your SSI application online if you are applying for SSI benefits only, not SSDI. The online application allows you to fill out and submit your information from the comfort of your home.
• In Person: You can also apply at your local Social Security office. Use the SSA’s office locator tool on their website to find the nearest office.
• By Phone: You can apply over the phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will assist you in completing your application.

When completing the application, be sure to provide accurate and detailed information to avoid delays or errors in processing.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After submitting your application, the SSA will review your case to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for SSI. This review process can take 3 to 5 months or longer. The SSA will notify you of their decision by mail.

• Approval: If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter detailing the amount of your monthly benefits and the start date of your payments.
• Denial: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Denials are common, and many applicants are successful in overturning denials through the appeals process.

Step 5: Appeal a Denied Claim

If your SSI application is denied, don’t worry—you can appeal the decision. The SSA provides several levels of appeals:

• Request for Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeal process. If you’re denied, you can ask the SSA to review your case again, and you can submit additional evidence to support your claim.
• Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. During this hearing, you can present evidence, testify about your disability, and have the judge review your case.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. They may approve your claim, return it for further review, or deny your request.
• Federal Court: If all else fails, you can take your case to federal court for a final review.

Appealing a denied claim  is a common part of the process, and many people win their SSI claims during the appeals process.

Step 6: Consider Getting Legal Help

While you can apply for SSI on your own, the process can be complicated, especially if your application is denied. It can be beneficial to consult with an SSI attorney who can help:

• Prepare your application: A lawyer can help ensure your application is thorough and meets all SSA requirements.
• Collect additional evidence: An attorney can assist with gathering medical records and other documentation that may be needed.
• Represent you during the appeals process: If your claim is denied, an attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and represent you at hearings.

Many disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. A free consultation can help you determine if legal assistance is right for you.