Applying for SSI can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes it manageable. Here's exactly how to apply online.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Before you apply
- Step-by-step application process
- What information you need
- Tips for a strong application
- What happens after you apply
Before You Apply
Check If You Qualify
Basic SSI requirements:
- Limited income
- Limited resources (under $2,000 individual, $3,000 couple)
- Disabled, blind, or 65+
- US citizen or qualifying non-citizen
- Resident of US or Northern Mariana Islands
Disability requirements:
- Unable to work due to medical condition
- Condition expected to last 12+ months or result in death
- Earning under Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit
Resource limit:
- Cash, bank accounts, stocks under $2,000
- Some things don't count (home, one car, household goods)
Gather Your Information
Personal information:
- Social Security number
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Citizenship/immigration documents
- Proof of residence
Medical information:
- Names and addresses of all doctors
- Names of hospitals and clinics
- Dates of treatment
- Medications and dosages
- Medical records if you have them
Financial information:
- Bank account statements
- Income records
- Resources/assets documentation
- Rent/mortgage information
- Bills and expenses
Work history:
- Jobs for past 15 years
- Employers, dates, duties
- Earnings records
- Why you stopped working
The Online Application Process
Step 1: Start at SSA.gov
Go to the application:
- Visit ssa.gov
- Click "Apply for Benefits"
- Select "Disability Benefits"
- Choose SSI application option
Note: You cannot complete the entire SSI application online. The online portion starts the process, then SSA contacts you.
Step 2: Complete Online Forms
Adult Disability Report:
- Medical conditions
- Doctors and treatment
- Medications
- Work history
- Daily activities
- How conditions limit you
Tips for this section:
- Be thorough and honest
- Describe your worst days
- Include all conditions
- Don't minimize symptoms
Step 3: Schedule Interview
After online portion:
- SSA schedules phone interview
- Usually within 2-4 weeks
- Can request in-person instead
- Takes 30-60 minutes typically
Interview covers:
- Verify application information
- Additional questions
- Financial eligibility
- Resource documentation
Step 4: Complete Additional Forms
Forms you may receive:
- Function Report (how daily activities affected)
- Work History Report (detailed job information)
- Authorization forms (medical records release)
- Resource documentation requests
Complete and return quickly:
- Delays slow your case
- Missing forms can cause denial
- Keep copies of everything
- Note submission dates
Step-by-Step Guide: Adult Disability Report
Section 1: Basic Information
- Name, SSN, date of birth
- Address and contact information
- Emergency contact
Section 2: Medical Conditions
- List ALL conditions (physical and mental)
- Don't just list main condition
- Include how long you've had each
- When each condition began
Example:
- Major depressive disorder (since 2019)
- Chronic back pain (since 2017)
- Diabetes type 2 (since 2020)
- Anxiety disorder (since 2018)
Section 3: Medical Treatment
- Every doctor you've seen
- Hospitals and clinics
- Emergency room visits
- Mental health treatment
- Physical therapy
Include:
- Provider name and specialty
- Address and phone
- Dates of treatment
- What they treated you for
Section 4: Medications
- Every medication currently taking
- Dosages and frequency
- What each is for
- Side effects you experience
Section 5: Medical Tests
- MRIs, X-rays, CT scans
- Blood tests
- Psychological evaluations
- Any diagnostic testing
Section 6: Work History
- Every job (15 years)
- Dates of employment
- Physical requirements
- Tools and equipment used
- Supervisor duties
Section 7: Daily Activities
- What you can and can't do
- How conditions affect daily life
- Need for assistance
- Changes from before disability
Be honest about limitations:
- Describe your worst days
- Note what makes symptoms worse
- Explain if you need help
- Don't exaggerate or minimize
Tips for a Strong Application
Medical Evidence
Get recent treatment:
- Recent records matter most
- See doctors regularly
- Document symptoms
- Keep treating, even while waiting
Provide thorough information:
- Every doctor, every visit
- Don't forget specialists
- Include mental health
- Emergency visits count
Function Report
This form is crucial:
- Shows how disability affects daily life
- Read carefully, answer completely
- Describe your worst days
- Be specific, not general
Example answers:
Bad: "I have trouble with chores." Better: "I can only stand for 10 minutes before severe back pain forces me to sit. I can't vacuum or mop. I wash dishes sitting down and take breaks every few minutes."
Work History
Be detailed:
- Physical demands of each job
- Lifting, standing, sitting requirements
- Skills used
- Why you left
Focus on:
- Jobs with physical demands
- How your condition affects ability to do those jobs
- Why you can't return to past work
What Happens After You Apply
Processing Timeline
Initial application:
- SSA reviews for non-medical eligibility (1-2 weeks)
- Case sent to state DDS (Disability Determination Services)
- DDS reviews medical evidence (3-5 months)
- DDS may request consultative exam
- Decision made and sent to SSA
- You receive decision letter
Possible Outcomes
Approved:
- Letter explains benefit amount
- Back pay calculation
- When payments start
- Medicare/Medicaid information
Denied:
- Letter explains reasons
- You have 60 days to appeal
- Don't give up—appeal success rates are higher
If Denied
Appeal steps:
- Request Reconsideration (60 days)
- If denied, request hearing (60 days)
- If denied, request Appeals Council (60 days)
- If denied, Federal Court
Consider getting help:
- Disability attorneys (no upfront cost)
- Legal aid organizations
- Disability rights groups
Common Questions
Can I apply for SSI entirely online? No. The online forms start the process, but SSA conducts a phone or in-person interview.
How long does the application take? Initial decisions average 3-6 months. With appeals, it can take 1-2+ years.
Do I need a lawyer to apply? Not required, but attorneys can help, especially at the appeal stage. Most work on contingency.
Can I apply for SSI and SSDI at the same time? Yes. SSA evaluates you for both programs if you might qualify for either.
What if I make a mistake on the application? You can correct information during the interview or by contacting SSA. Be honest about errors.
How Purple Helps
Once approved for SSI, Purple helps you manage your benefits:
- Receive SSI up to 4 days early
- No monthly fees
- Easy balance tracking for resource limit
- Simple account for direct deposit
- Built specifically for disability benefits
With Purple, you can set up your account before approval and be ready for your first payment.