How do I apply for SSI?

You can apply by phone or in person:[1744]

    By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). A representative will set an appointment for you to do your application by phone. This toll-free line is open Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM. For each time you call, record the date of your call and the name of the person who assists you. If you complete your application within 60 days of your first call to request information or materials, the SSA will treat that call as the date of your application.[1745]
    In person: First, call Social Security to find a local office near you; or, if you have Internet access, use the office locator at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp. Then call the local office to make an appointment. Unfortunately, you cannot apply for SSI online.

TIPS For applying for SSI:

    If you’re applying based on a disability, apply as soon as possible when you become disabled. The application review process can take 3-5 months.[1746] Before you start, you may want to look over the Social Security Administration’s SSI brochure (available online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf) and/or disability application checklist (see Appendix H, PG. 529)[1747] to know what you’ll need. If you need help with the application, call the Social Security Administration or visit a local Social Security office. You have a right to assistance from Social Security representatives if you need help due to a disability.[1748] You have a right to appoint any individual—such as a friend, family member, attorney, social worker, or other trusted advocate—to act as your representative in the application process. To do so, use the “Appointment of Representative” form in Appendix G, PG. 523.[1749] Some counties offer assistance with representation or referral to legal services programs for representation.If you need benefits right away due to a financial emergency, ask if you can get “expedited” benefits.[1750]
  1. 1744

    See Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits, Soc. Sec. Admin., http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html ↑

  2. 1745

    Benefits Available to Paroling & Discharging Inmates, Prison Law Office (2011), http://www.prisonlaw.com/pdfs/BenefitsLetter,Aug2011.pdf ↑

  3. 1746

    Disability Benefits, Soc. Sec. Admin., http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf ↑

  4. 1747

    Disability Planner: How You Apply, Soc. Sec. Admin., http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dapply.htm; Checklist for Online Adult Disability Application, Soc. Sec. Admin., http://www.ssa.gov/hlp/radr/10/ovw001-checklist.pdf ↑

  5. 1748

    Benefits Available to Paroling & Discharging Inmates, Prison Law Office (2011), http://www.prisonlaw.com/pdfs/BenefitsLetter,Aug2011.pdf ↑

  6. 1749

    Your Right to Representation, Soc. Sec. Admin., http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10075.pdf ↑

  7. 1750

    Benefits Available to Paroling & Discharging Inmates, Prison Law Office (2011), http://www.prisonlaw.com/pdfs/BenefitsLetter,Aug2011.pdf ↑