How to apply for Social Security disability benefits

There are several ways to start an application for Social Security benefits:

At your local Social Security office

While this make take the longest amount of time (depending on the wait times at your local office), applying in person has the advantage of having a live person to ask to if you have a question.  The downside of applying in person is that if you are missing a critical piece of information, you may not be able to complete the application.

If you need help finding your local Social Security office, click here.

Online

If you prefer to work at your own pace, you can apply online.  Start here and follow the three steps to get an application started.

If you are applying for a child, start at the children’s disability page.

By telephone

If you need help or if you cannot complete the application online, you can call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or have hearing problems, you can call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.  Social Security representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

When you are ready to apply:

Don’t forget to check out this article about the documents you need to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Also, check out all the articles on applying for Social Security.