How to apply for social security disability benefits (SSI disability) in the USA for free

This post will share the exact steps you’ll need to apply for social security for the disabled in the USA. If you’re an American citizen or planning to stay in America, you should apply for a social security number. There are various benefits of owning an S.S. number in the USA, and it also acts as an identity pass for you. If you’re searching for “how to apply for social security for disability benefits,” your search ends here. 

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After doing hours of research, I couldn’t find a single article explaining the entire process of applying for disability benefits in the USA. However, we’ve done our homework. By the end of the article, you will learn how to apply for social security disability in the USA, including all the paperwork required by the law or what you’ve to prepare for before applying for SSI disability and SSI benefit.

What is an SSI disability in the U.S.?

American society has several programs for disabled people, and it supports people who’re born with disability or blindness. Since working at regular jobs and earning a decent amount of money is a hurdle for disabled people, the government has several social welfare programs that offer a limited monthly income to people with disability or blindness. 

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program offers monthly welfare money to people and children in the USA who’re physically or mentally disabled. Now, there are two types of disability programs being run by the U.S. government right now. The first is the SSI disability, and the second is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These two programs come under the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), which works directly under U.S. federal government. 

SSA is an independent agency that works towards the social welfare of people in the U.S. It offers financial, social, professional help to individuals and groups of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. We’re not going too deep in this because otherwise, this article will automatically explain the SSA. SSDI, and SSI. In this article, we’re only focusing on SSI, social security disability benefits, and how to apply for it.

Social security disability benefits in the USA

Before you apply for social security disability benefits, you might want to learn its pros and cons. Initially, you should apply for social security disability, but if you’re going to know about its benefits and who it is for, here are some advantages about SSI disability that you should check out once. 

• Get extra support from the government in your daily life
• Earn an extra (support) income to cover your day-to-day expenses
• Helps you and your family financially.
• Applicable to children and adults with disability 
• Available to selected people who have limited income and resources 

Though SSI and SSDI sound almost identical, they are not the same. However, the medical requirement for both the programs is the same, and only need to complete the process once to receive the monthly financial assistance from the U.S. government. 

What is the requirement for social security disability benefits (SSI disability) in the USA?

Like every other government program, the SSI disability also holds its ground for fair means and identity. To apply for social security disability benefits in the USA, you must make sure you’re following this essential requirement. If you fail any of the below-said conditions, you’ll have to need a disability lawyer near you to help you fix the documents or allow you to apply for the benefit. Now, if you ___ all the requirements, you’ll be good to go. 

• Use the online application form, phone, or walk-in the nearest center to apply for disability benefits.
• You must be 18 years or older.
• Are not receive benefits from Social Security records.
• Your condition should be expected to last 12 months or expected to die.
• Denied any other disability benefits in the last 60 days.

How to apply for social security disability benefits (SSI disability) in the USA?

Here is a quick look at the first process to apply for social security disability benefits (SSI disability) in the USA. The actual procedure is divided into different sections to be easy for you to follow and apply for social security disability benefits (SSI disability). 

• Firstly, collect the important document.
• Click here to check out all eligible documents required by the social security disability benefits (SSI disability) program. 
• Once you’ve collected all the required documents, click here to apply for the SSI disability application. 
• Once you’re on the Apply for Benefits page, tick the “I understand and agree to the above statements” and click Next.
• On the next page, click on “Start a new application.”
• Select “I am applying for myself” if you’re applying for SSI for yourself and “I am helping someone who is not with me, and therefore cannot sign the application at this time” if you’re helping someone who cannot apply for the application by themselves. 
• Now, select “Yes” or “Now” under the “Do you have my Social Security account” Option. 
• Next, scroll down and click on “Create an account.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions from there and fill out the form. 
• Once you’re filled out and submitted your application form, the authorities will check your details. 
• Once your application is evaluated, the application authority will share your case with the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
• After looking at your case file, the authority will reach out to you about the decision. 
• You’ll receive the decision letter electronically or via mail.

What not to do while applying for social security disability benefits (SSI disability) in the USA?

Applying for SSI disability can be tricky because you’ll never know if a single mistake in your application can get you rejected. Similarly, if you’re applying for SSI disability via phone or in-person, there are some questions you have to get right. Below are some things you have to make you’ll not do or say while applying for disability benefits in the USA.

• Provide the correct date of resigning/last day of working from your job. (the authorities might verify this with your previous employer)
• Please do not say I am working as a freelancer, part-time, or anything that generates money. (just be honest in your application/interview)
• Don’t mimic a medical condition or disability without any medical proof. 
• If you’re hurt during work or your day-to-day life, and the problem doesn’t form a riddle in daily chores, then you should refrain from applying for the SSI disability program. 
• Provide the correct onset date (the correct date where you felt you could no longer work and need governmental assistance)
• You should provide medical proof about the diagnosis. (don’t say you’re not feeling well but provide a medical document with the name of the disease or condition)
• Don’t call up the authorities the next day (wait for at least two weeks before following up for the evaluation)

What documents you’ll need to apply for social security disability benefits (SSI disability) in the USA?

Here is a list of documents you’ll need while applying for social security disability benefits (SSI disability) in the USA. Please ensure you have all the documents ready while applying for disability benefits. By keeping the copy handy, you can avoid unnecessary confusion and delay with your application. 

• Full name, date of birth, phone, and S.S. number. 
• Name, DOB, S.S. number of your spouse. 
• Marriage/divorce certificate. 
• Routing Transit Number on your bank and your account number. 
• Information about your medical illness.
• Information about the issuing doctor, hospital, clinic, patient I.D. number, and dates of treatments. 
• Name of the prescribed drugs and dates of medical tests. 
• Name of the person responsible for the test. Example: medical professional or doctor. 
• The total money earned in the last year and this year. 
• Your employer’s name and address. 
• A copy of your Social Security Statement.
• List of undertaking jobs and their dates in the last 16 years before the disability. 
• Information about your compensation, pension, or benefits from any employers.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• U.S. military discharge paper (if you had served before 1968)

References 

ssa.gov, s., 2022. The United States Social Security Administration. [online] Ssa.gov. Available at: <https://www.ssa.gov/> [Accessed 8 March 2022].

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