Filing for Social Security Disability

There are three ways to file for Social Security Disability benefits.

  1. You can go to the Social Security Office nearest you and file the claim in person. You may have to wait for several hours, but many people prefer to apply in this manner so they can be assured that all of the appropriate paperwork is completed.
  2. You can call the Social Security Administration and arrange a telephone interview to file a claim. The toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  3. You can file an online application for Social Security Disability benefits through the official Social Security Administration web site, www.socialsecurity.gov, or www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm.

To apply for disability benefits for an adult, you will need to complete an application for Social Security Benefits AND an Adult Disability Report. The report collects information about your disabling condition and how it affects your ability to work.

To apply online, follow these steps provided by the Social Security Administration:

Step 1. Review the Adult Disability Starter Kit. This kit answers common questions about applying for benefits and includes a worksheet that will help you gather the information you need.

Step 2. Fill out the online application for Social Security Benefits. (If you've never worked, skip this step and contact us after you complete Step 3.).

Step 3. Fill out the online Adult Disability Report. At the end of the report, we will ask you to sign a form that gives your doctor permission to send us information about your disability. We need this information so we can make a decision on your claim.

NOTE: If you previously started an online application or online disability report but did not finish it, you can: