Apply for Benefits

You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

• Online (which starts the application process immediately instead of having to wait for an appointment)
• By calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) to make an appointment to apply either:
  • Over the phone, or
  • In person at your local Social Security office.

You can apply online yourself, but if you want someone to guide you through the process, make an appointment with Social Security.

Getting Your Application Ready

Get your information ready for the SSDI application:

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and others who have treated you
• Prescriptions and results of medical tests
• Copies of medical records
• Your Social Security Number and the Social Security Numbers of your spouse and any children under the age of 18
• A certified copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or of legal residency, if you were born outside the U.S., like naturalization papers, your U.S. passport, or your green card
• A certified copy of your military discharge papers (Form DD 214), if you were in the military
  • Tip: If you are a veteran, let Social Security know. Social Security may review your application faster.
• Copies of recent tax records or W-2 forms
• Information on any Workers’ Compensation you’ve gotten
• A list of the jobs you've done for the past 5 years

Social Security provides a detailed checklist of the information you need to complete the application process.

Other Benefits

It takes a while for your SSDI application to be reviewed and, if you qualify, benefits don’t begin until five months after your disability began. If you are approved, you start getting monthly payments, but have to wait another two years before you automatically start getting Medicare health coverage.

While you are waiting for Social Security to review your application and then for Medicare to begin, see what else might help you. At first, try to use your job's sick pay or vacation pay and see if your company has a private short-term or long-term disability insurance plan. Most jobs in California also qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI), a state program that gives a cash benefit for one year or less to Californians with disabilities who worked before becoming disabled. Learn more about it and how to apply in DB101's California State Disability (SDI) article.

Then, you can apply for other benefits, including:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a monthly payment for people with disabilities who have low income and low resources. Learn more in DB101’s SSI article.
• Medi-Cal, free health coverage for people with low to moderate income. Learn more in DB101’s Medi-Cal article.
• CalFresh, a monthly cash benefit for people with low income that helps pay for food. Learn more about CalFresh.
• CalWORKs, a monthly cash benefit for families with children that also helps parents find work. Learn more in DB101's CalWORKs article.
• Emergency cash assistance and housing, if you need them.

You can apply for these benefits:

• Online using BenefitsCal.
• In person at your local county social services agency.

If you served in the military and are a veteran, you may also qualify for VA Disability Compensation or VA Pension benefits.