How to File for Social Security Disability Online

Apply for Social Security Disability from home.

Applying for Social Security Disability online offers several advantages. You can file from the comfort of your home--or from any computer--without having to schedule an appointment, wait in line, or make any trips to your local Social Security office.

Instructions

Applying Online for Adults

1. Review the Adult Disability Checklist to find out what documents and materials you need before beginning the online process.

2. Fill out the Disability Benefit Application online to provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with information regarding your eligibility for future payments.

3. Complete the online Adult Disability Report Form 3368 to provide SSA with work and medical history.

4. Print and fill out the Authorization to Disclose Information to Social Security Administration Form SSA-827. Sign and mail or take this document to your local Social Security office.

Applying Online for Children

1. Review the Child Disability Starter Kit. Read the fact sheet "What You Should Know Before You Apply For SSI Disability Benefits for Your Child," which includes common questions and answers regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for children. Read the "Checklist--Child Disability Interview" containing a list of information and documents needed to prepare for the disability interview and to complete the "Child Disability Report" on the Internet. Look over the "Medical and School Worksheet--Child" to get an overview of the questions that SSA asks regarding your child's eligibility.

2. Contact the SSA office by calling 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY) if you are deaf or hard of hearing to schedule an appointment for an interview with a Social Security caseworker, or visit your local SSA office.

3. Fill out the Child Disability Report Form 3820 online. Have the child's name, date of birth and Social Security number available. Provide information such as condition of child, date of when condition began and how the condition limits the child's normal activities. Complete the Questionnaire for Children Claiming SSI Benefits Form 3881 online after you've finished form SSA-3820.

References

• Lowell Kepke, Social Security Administration (SSA); Deputy Communications Director, San Francisco, California

Resources

• SSA: Adult Disability Checklist
• SSA: Disability Benefit Application
• Adult Disability Report Form 3368
• Child Disability Starter Kit
• Questionnaire for Children Claiming SSI Benefits Form 3881