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Step 1
Enlist the aid of your primary care physician or the doctor who is most responsible for treating your disability. The first step in applying for SSI benefits is to fill out a lengthy survey indicating what you can and cannot do. You must include a doctor's evaluation as part of this process. Let your doctor know early that you are hoping to apply for disability benefits and that you will need an appropriate exam. Filling out the paperwork can take as much as half an hour, so doctors offices prefer to be warned ahead of time that the extra time is needed.
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Step 2
Investigate a good SSI disability attorney and talk with him about the costs of representing you in this process. While most people who are applying for SSI disability are doing so because their income has been severely limited based on their disability, most find that interesting in an attorney makes the process faster and easier to navigate.
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Step 3
Read the instructions at the Social Security website. The website offers a listing of the steps that must be followed and outlines the appeals procedures for denied applications (see Resources below).
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Step 4
Gather information regarding your financial situation, medical bills and disability-related expenses. One of the factors that is used in determining eligibility for SSI benefits is financial need. No matter how grave your disability, if you are not in need of assistance, the application will be denied.
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Step 5
Be patient. Check for other local social services programs may be able to help you while you are waiting for an answer from the federal government. Nothing happens quickly when you're applying for SSI benefits, and you may need to be prepared to wait a year to receive medical and financial assistance.
