How to apply for disability: SSDI vs SSI, step by step
This guide covers Social Security disability run by the SSA — SSDI and SSI, for adults and children. It is not about VA disability or state short-term disability insurance.
Not sure which program fits?
Our free two-minute screener tells you whether SSDI, SSI, or a child SSI claim matches your work history, income, and condition.
SSDI vs SSI in one paragraph
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays from the Social Security taxes you already paid, so it depends on recent work credits. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based: no work history required, but your income and countable resources must be low. The medical standard is the same for both — SSA asks whether your condition keeps you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Many people file a concurrent claim for both.
The five steps
1. Check whether SSDI, SSI, or both fit your situation
SSDI depends on your work credits, SSI depends on income and resources. Our free eligibility screener sorts this out in about two minutes so you don't fill out the wrong forms.
2. Gather identity, work, and medical information
You'll need your Social Security number, birth or naturalization record, W-2s or self-employment tax returns, the names and dates of every doctor, clinic, and hospital, your medications, and your job history for the last five years.
3. Describe your condition in function terms
SSA decides whether you can still do work-like activity. Instead of only naming a diagnosis, describe how long you can sit, stand, lift, concentrate, or keep a schedule — and what happens on a bad day.
4. Complete the SSA forms
Adults typically file SSA-16-BK (SSDI) and/or SSA-8000-BK (SSI), plus the Disability Report SSA-3368-BK, Work History Report SSA-3369-BK, and the medical release SSA-827. Child SSI uses SSA-8000-BK with the child disability report.
5. File, then track your deadlines
Submit online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office. Keep every notice. If you are denied, the reconsideration clock is 60 days plus 5 mailing days from the date on the notice.
The deadline that ends most claims
If SSA denies you, you generally have 60 days from the date on the notice, plus 5 mailing days, to file the next appeal. Miss it and you usually have to start over with a new application — losing months of potential back pay. Our app tracks that clock for you and prints a filing checklist for each stage.
Common questions
Verify everything at the source
We are not the SSA. Dollar amounts and processing times change every year — confirm them at ssa.gov/benefits/disability.