Where and how to start an SSI application

You apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are three ways to begin: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online application takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return to it later. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

Before you start, gather documents that prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age. You will also need information about your income, resources (money and property you own), and living situation. If you are applying based on disability or blindness, you should have medical records or the names and dates of doctors who have treated you. The SSA will request specific documents after you submit your application, so you do not need everything on hand before you begin.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start an SSI application online, by phone, or at a Social Security office; online is fastest and you can save your work.
  • The SSA will ask for proof of identity, age, citizenship or legal residency, and details about your income and resources.
  • If you are applying based on disability or blindness, have the names and dates of your medical providers ready.
  • After you submit, the SSA sends you a list of documents they need; you typically have 10 days to return them by mail or in person.
  • The SSA makes a decision within 30 to 90 days; if denied, you can request reconsideration or appeal within 60 days.

What documents the SSA will request

After you submit your application, the SSA mails you a list of required documents. The exact list depends on your situation, but most applicants need to provide a birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or state ID), and Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring your birth certificate and ID to your local office and they will help you get one.

You will also need to show proof of your current income and resources. This means bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from employers or benefit programs. If you own property, you may need to provide a deed or mortgage statement. For disability or blindness claims, the SSA requests medical records from your doctors, hospitals, or clinics. You do not have to collect these yourself — you can sign a form authorizing the SSA to request them directly from your providers.

The SSA typically gives you 10 days to return documents. You can mail them, bring them to your local office, or upload them through your online account if you created one. Keep copies of everything you send.

How long the SSA takes to decide

The SSA aims to make a decision within 30 to 90 days of receiving your complete application and all required documents. The timeline depends on how quickly you return documents and how complex your case is. If you are applying based on disability, the decision often takes longer because the SSA's medical consultants must review your records.

You can check the status of your application online through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local office. The SSA will mail you a notice when they make a decision. If you are approved, the notice tells you how much your monthly payment will be and when it starts. If you are denied, the notice explains why and tells you how to appeal.

What happens if you are denied

If the SSA denies your application, you have the right to challenge the decision. You must request reconsideration or appeal within 60 days of the denial notice. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration (the SSA reviews your case again), hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who appeal win at the hearing stage, though the process can take one to two years.

When you appeal, you can submit new medical evidence, work history, or other information the SSA did not have the first time. Many people hire a lawyer or representative to help with appeals. Representatives can charge a fee only if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you first applied).

Income and resource limits for SSI

SSI has strict limits on how much money and property you can own. As of 2024, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and property you own (but not your home or one car). The SSA counts some items differently: for example, a burial plot and up to $1,500 set aside for burial expenses do not count toward the limit.

SSI also has income limits, but the rules are complex because the SSA does not count all income the same way. Earned income (wages from work) is treated differently than unearned income (Social Security, pensions, gifts). The SSA allows you to earn some money without losing all your SSI payment. If you work, report your earnings to the SSA right away — they adjust your payment based on what you earn, and you may still receive some SSI even if you work.

How SSI payments work and when they start

If you are approved for SSI, your first payment arrives the month after the SSA approves you. Payments are made on the first, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. The SSA deposits the money directly into your bank account, prepaid card, or mailed check. You choose the payment method when you apply or update it later through your my Social Security account.

The monthly payment amount varies by state because some states add money to the federal SSI payment. In 2024, the federal payment is $943 per month for an individual, but your state may pay more. The SSA sends you a notice each year showing your payment amount and any changes. If your income or resources change, tell the SSA immediately — your payment may increase or decrease, and failing to report changes can result in overpayments you must repay.

Reporting changes after you are approved

Once you receive SSI, you must report certain changes to the SSA within 10 days. These include changes to your income (including wages, gifts, or other money you receive), resources (money in the bank, property you buy or sell), living situation (who you live with, whether you pay rent), or marital status. You also must report if you move, change your phone number, or change your address.

You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail, or in person at your local office. The SSA uses this information to recalculate your payment each month. If you do not report changes and the SSA overpays you, you will owe the money back. The SSA can recover overpayments by reducing your future payments or asking you to repay a lump sum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for SSI if I am already receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Yes. If your SSDI payment is low, you may also receive SSI. The SSA calls this "concurrent benefits." You apply for SSI the same way, and the SSA will check whether you meet the income and resource limits. Your SSDI payment counts as income when the SSA calculates your SSI amount.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or proof of citizenship?

Contact your local Social Security office. They can tell you how to get a birth certificate from your state vital records office or how to show citizenship through other documents like a passport, driver's license, or naturalization papers. The SSA can sometimes help you obtain these documents, or they can accept alternative proof.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get SSI?

No. You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or in one of a few other legal statuses. Refugees and asylees can receive SSI for seven years after approval. Undocumented immigrants do not meet SSI rules. Bring your immigration documents when you apply so the SSA can verify your status.

What if I cannot go to the Social Security office in person?

You can apply online or by phone without visiting an office. If the SSA needs to see original documents, you can mail them or ask the office whether they will accept copies. If you have a disability that makes it hard to apply, you can ask a family member, friend, or advocate to help you or represent you by signing a form at the Social Security office.

Can I work while receiving SSI?

Yes. The SSA allows you to earn money and still receive SSI, though your payment will be reduced. The first $65 per month you earn does not count, and the SSA counts only half of earnings above that. If you work, report your income to the SSA each month so they calculate your payment correctly. Some work incentives allow you to keep more of your SSI while you work.