How to start an SSI claim with Social Security

You apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) directly through Social Security, either online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. There is no separate application form for SSI itself — you use the same process as someone claiming Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security will determine which program you may have access to for based on your age, work history, and resources.

The fastest route is usually the online application at ssa.gov/applyforbenefits. You can start an application there without an appointment, and Social Security will contact you to complete it. If you prefer to speak with someone first, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment at your local office or to apply over the phone. Walk-in appointments are also available at most offices, though wait times vary.

When you apply, have ready your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, bank account information, and details about any income or resources you own. If you are applying based on disability, you will also need medical records showing your condition and how it limits your ability to work.

Key Takeaways

  • You apply through Social Security's website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office — there is no separate SSI application form.
  • Social Security will review your age, work history, income, and resources to determine whether you may have access to for SSI or another program.
  • The online application at ssa.gov/applyforbenefits is usually the fastest option and does not require an appointment.
  • You will need proof of citizenship or legal residency, bank statements, and medical records if your claim is based on disability.
  • Social Security will contact you after you submit your application to ask follow-up questions and request additional documents.

What documents you need to gather before you apply

Social Security will ask for specific documents to verify your identity, age, and financial situation. Bring or upload your original Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your birth certificate. If you do not have an original birth certificate, a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born will work.

You will also need to show proof of citizenship or legal residency. U.S. citizens can use a passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Non-citizens must provide a green card, visa, or other immigration document showing they are lawfully in the country. Social Security has specific rules about which non-citizens can receive SSI, so bring whatever immigration paperwork you have.

Bring recent bank statements (usually the last two months) showing all accounts in your name, including savings, checking, and any money market accounts. Social Security counts these toward your resource limit. If you receive income from work, pensions, or other sources, bring recent pay stubs or benefit statements. If you are applying based on disability, gather medical records from your doctors, hospital visits, and any mental health treatment — Social Security will request these directly from your providers, but having copies speeds up the process.

How long it takes to hear back about your claim

Social Security typically takes 60 to 90 days to make an initial decision on an SSI claim, though some cases take longer if they need more medical evidence or if your local office is backlogged. You can check the status of your application online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you created an account when you applied, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If Social Security approves your claim, they will send you a notice in the mail explaining your monthly payment amount and when payments begin. SSI payments usually start the month after you are approved. If they deny your claim, the notice will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration — you have 60 days from the date on the notice to ask them to review the decision.

During the waiting period, your local Social Security office may contact you by phone or mail asking for more information or documents. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays in providing what they ask for can slow down your case. If you do not understand what they are asking for, call them back and ask for clarification.

What happens if Social Security denies your claim

If Social Security denies your SSI claim, you have the right to challenge the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to request reconsideration, which means Social Security will review your case again with a different examiner. This is free and does not require a lawyer, though you can hire one if you want.

To request reconsideration, fill out form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and mail it to your local Social Security office, or ask them to file it for you in person. You can also request reconsideration online through your Social Security account. When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence, work history, or other documents that support your claim.

If Social Security denies you again after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony, and you can bring a lawyer or representative to help you. Many people who are denied twice win at the hearing stage, especially if they have strong medical evidence or new information about their condition.

How your income and resources affect your SSI amount

SSI is a needs-based program, which means your monthly payment depends on how much other income and resources you have. Social Security counts wages from work, pensions, unemployment benefits, and most other income toward your SSI payment. In 2024, if you have other income, Social Security reduces your SSI payment by one dollar for every dollar you earn over $65 per month (this amount changes yearly).

Social Security also counts your resources — money in bank accounts, property you own, vehicles, and other assets. The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple (these limits have not changed since 1989). If you have more than the limit, you do not may have access to for SSI. Some resources do not count, including your home, one vehicle, household goods, and certain retirement accounts.

If you are working or expecting to work while receiving SSI, tell Social Security about your job. There are work incentives that let you earn money without losing all your benefits — for example, the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without it counting against your SSI limit. Social Security's Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program offers free counseling about how work affects your benefits.

Applying as a child or as a parent of a child

Children under 18 can receive SSI if they have a disability that significantly limits their ability to function and if their family's income and resources are low enough. A parent or guardian applies on the child's behalf using the same online, phone, or in-person process. Social Security counts the parents' income and resources toward the child's SSI limit, not just the child's own income.

When a child turns 18, Social Security redetermines their case using only the child's own income and resources, not the parents'. This often means a young adult who was receiving SSI as a child loses benefits at 18 because their parents' income no longer counts. If this happens to you or your child, contact Social Security before the 18th birthday to understand how the change will affect benefits.

Parents who are caring for a child with a disability may also be able to receive SSI themselves if they meet the age and disability requirements. A parent's SSI claim is separate from the child's claim and is based on the parent's own age, disability, income, and resources.

What to do if you are not a U.S. citizen

SSI is available only to U.S. citizens and certain categories of non-citizens with legal immigration status. You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee, an asylee, a victim of human trafficking, or in one of a few other protected categories. Undocumented immigrants do not may have access to for SSI.

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you have been in the United States for at least five years, and you meet the age or disability requirements, you can apply for SSI. Bring your green card and any other immigration documents when you apply. Refugees and asylees can apply for SSI without the five-year waiting period if they meet the other requirements.

Non-citizens who receive SSI must report any changes to their immigration status to Social Security, because losing your legal status means you lose SSI benefits. If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies you for SSI, ask Social Security directly — they can tell you before you apply whether you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for SSI if I am still working?

Yes. Social Security counts your work income toward your SSI payment, but you can still have a job and receive benefits. If you earn more than $65 per month, your SSI payment is reduced by one dollar for every dollar you earn above that amount. Work incentives like PASS let you set aside income for a specific goal without it reducing your benefits.

What is the difference between SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance?

SSI is based on financial need and age or disability; SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you paid. You can receive both programs at the same time if you may have access to for both. SSI has a resource limit of $2,000; SSDI does not count resources. Social Security determines which program you may have access to for when you apply.

How much money will I receive each month?

The federal SSI payment amount in 2024 is $943 per month for an individual, but your actual payment depends on your other income and resources. Many states add money to the federal amount. Social Security will tell you your exact monthly payment in the approval notice.

Can I apply online if I do not have a Social Security account?

Yes. You can start an application at ssa.gov/applyforbenefits without logging in. Social Security will guide you through creating an account or will contact you by phone to finish the application. You can also apply by phone or in person without any online account.

What happens to my SSI if I move to a different state?

Your SSI benefits continue, but the payment amount may change because some states add money to the federal SSI amount and others do not. Tell Social Security about your move before you go so they can update your address and explain how your payment will change. Your benefits will not stop during the move.