Social Security Help:

How to Apply for Social Security

You should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or SSI disability benefits, call the Social Security Office near you and tell them you need to file a claim. An appointment will be set up to conduct an interview in person, or over the phone, whichever is more convenient.

The Claims Representative assigned to your case will provide answers to all of your questions and will handle the paperwork needed to send your claim to Disability Determination Services (DDS). This is where the medical decision on the case will be made.

The Claims Representative will also determine the type of disability program you are potentially eligible to receive benefits from. Benefits can be drawn from either Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security Income(SSI), or in some cases both. Determinations regarding which program you are eligible for are based on your work history, or lack of in the case of children.

Applications can also be completed online at http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm.