What you need to do to begin an SSI claim

To start an SSI disability claim, you contact Social Security directly and submit a written request. You can do this in person at your local Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online through Social Security's website. Social Security will assign you a claims representative who walks you through what documents they need and when.

The process itself has no application fee. Social Security will ask you to provide medical records, work history, and details about your living situation — who you live with, whether anyone helps pay your bills, and your current income and resources. Be prepared to explain how your condition limits your ability to work and manage daily activities.

From the moment you contact Social Security, they record your claim date. This date matters because it determines when your benefits would start if you are found to have a disability. The earlier you contact them, the earlier your potential benefit date, even if the decision takes months.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Social Security by phone (1-800-772-1213), in person at a local office, or online to start your claim — there is no fee to file.
  • Your claim date is the day Social Security receives your request, so contacting them early protects your benefit start date even if the decision is delayed.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records, proof of your work history, and information about your household income and resources.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though many claims are denied and require an appeal.
  • If denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days, and if that is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Medical evidence Social Security will request

Social Security needs medical documentation that shows your condition and how it affects your ability to work. This means records from doctors, hospitals, therapists, or specialists who have treated you. They want to see test results, diagnoses, treatment notes, and how your condition has changed over time.

You do not have to gather all of this yourself. When you file your claim, Social Security can request records directly from your doctors and medical providers. However, providing records yourself speeds up the process. If you have seen multiple providers, make a list of their names, addresses, and the dates you were treated, and give this to Social Security.

Social Security also sends you to their own doctor for an examination or review of your medical history. This is called a consultative examination. You will receive notice of the appointment and the location. This examination is free and does not replace your own doctor's care.

Work history and income information you will need

Social Security needs to know what you have earned and when. Bring or provide your Social Security number, tax returns from the past two years if you have them, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years. For each job, include the employer's name, the dates you worked there, and roughly how much you earned.

You will also need to report your current income and resources. Resources means money in the bank, property you own, vehicles, and other things of value. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, though these limits can change. Income limits are lower and vary by state because SSI is a needs-based program.

If you receive other benefits — unemployment, workers' compensation, pensions, or help from family members — report all of it. Social Security uses this information to calculate how much SSI you might receive, if any.

What happens after you file your claim

After you submit your claim, Social Security sends you a notice with your claim number and the date they received it. Keep this notice. Social Security then requests your medical records and may schedule you for a consultative examination. You will receive written notice of any appointment.

A disability examiner reviews your medical evidence, work history, and age to decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This review typically takes three to six months. Social Security will contact you if they need more information or clarification about anything in your file.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If approved, the notice tells you your benefit amount and when payments begin. If denied, the notice explains why and tells you how to appeal within 60 days.

Understanding the difference between initial approval and ongoing payments

If Social Security approves your claim, your benefits do not start immediately. There is a five-month waiting period from the month your disability began. Social Security counts back to determine when that was, based on the medical evidence. Your first payment arrives the month after the waiting period ends.

Once you receive SSI, you must report changes to Social Security. This includes earning money, a change in your living situation, a change in who lives with you, or receiving new income from any source. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you will have to repay.

Social Security also reviews your case periodically to confirm you still have a disability. How often depends on whether your condition is expected to improve. Some people have reviews every few years; others have them more frequently. You will receive notice before any review.

What to do if your claim is denied

Most initial SSI claims are denied. This does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means you must appeal. You have 60 days from the date on your denial notice to request reconsideration. This is a free process and does not require a lawyer.

For reconsideration, Social Security assigns a different examiner to review your case. You can submit new medical evidence, new work history information, or anything else you think is relevant. Many people hire a disability lawyer or representative at this stage, though it is not required. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by Social Security.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony. The judge makes a new decision based on everything in your file. Hearings typically happen four to six months after you request one, though this varies by location.

How a disability representative or lawyer can help

A disability representative or lawyer knows Social Security's rules and can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case. They cannot speed up Social Security's decision, but they can make sure your file is complete and your claim is presented clearly.

Representatives must be accredited by Social Security. You can find accredited representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking Social Security for a list. Some work for nonprofits and charge nothing; others charge a fee, which Social Security limits to 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from your claim date to your approval date).

You do not need a representative to file or appeal, but many people find one helpful, especially if their claim has been denied and they are preparing for a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while waiting for a decision on my SSI claim?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSI. However, your earnings count as income and may reduce your benefit amount if you are approved. Social Security has work incentive programs that allow you to earn money and still receive some benefits, but you must report all earnings.

What if I disagree with the medical examination Social Security sends me to?

You can submit your own medical evidence to counter the examination. If your own doctor's opinion differs from Social Security's doctor, include your doctor's records and statement in your file. Social Security weighs all medical evidence, not just the consultative examination.

How much money can I have and still get SSI?

SSI has a resource limit of $2,000 for an individual. This includes cash, bank accounts, and property. Your home and one vehicle do not count. If you have more than $2,000 in resources, you are not may be able to access for SSI, though some resources like burial funds have exceptions.

Do I need to be unable to work at all to get SSI disability?

No. Social Security's definition is that your condition prevents you from doing substantial work — roughly, earning more than a certain monthly amount (which changes yearly). You can have some ability to work and still may have access to if your condition is severe enough.

What happens if I move to a different state while my claim is pending?

Your claim continues with Social Security. SSI is a federal program, so the state you live in does not change your may be able to access. However, if you move, notify Social Security of your new address so they can send notices and payments to the correct location.