Where to apply for SSI and what to check after you apply

Applying in the wrong place wastes time

SSI is a federal program, and only the Social Security Administration takes applications and decides claims. Your state may add its own payment, but you do not apply for SSI with a state office. This site does not take applications either.

Be careful with websites or people who ask for a fee to file for you. There is no charge to apply for SSI, and anyone may apply. Going straight to Social Security saves time, and your personal data goes only to the agency that needs it.

Three ways to reach Social Security

Why go straight to Social Security? Social Security is the only place that takes the form, checks your proof and makes the decision. Starting anywhere else only adds steps and time.

How can you reach it? You can start online, call the national phone line to set up an appointment, or call your local office for a phone appointment.

Where do you find your local office? The office locator on the Social Security website finds your local office by ZIP code. The national line is 1-800-772-1213, and the TTY line is 1-800-325-0778.

How to reach the right office

Pick the way that fits your day. Each one leads to the same kind of claim.

• Online. Look for the page named Apply for Supplemental Security Income on the Social Security website. Some people can apply through the online disability application.
• By phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY line at 1-800-325-0778.
• Your local office. Call your local Social Security office to set up a phone appointment. Find it with the office locator and your ZIP code.
• Through someone else. Another person can call to set up the appointment for you or help you with the application.

When you call, ask which papers to bring and write down the date and time of the appointment. If you keep that appointment and file, the date of your first call may count as your application date. A person in a public institution, such as a hospital, who will leave within a few months may be able to apply before leaving, so payments can start soon after.

What to check while you wait

While you wait, keep your phone on and open every letter from Social Security. A letter may ask you to call, come in or send papers. If you move, tell Social Security so its letters still reach you. Keep a list of the dates you called and the names of the people you spoke with. If Social Security asks for a paper you cannot find, tell the worker. Social Security can help you get documents, and it gives you time to send them.

After you apply, a few questions come up most often. Each one has its own page on this site, written in plain words.

• Do I meet the income and resource limits? See who can get SSI, the resource limits for one person and for a couple, and the current federal payment amount.
• When do payments arrive? SSI is paid at the start of each month. See the dates for the months ahead.
• Where is my claim? Learn how to check the status of an application or an appeal.
• What if SSI is denied? Learn the 60-day deadline and the steps to appeal.