How to Apply for SSI: What You Need to Know Before You Start

What SSI Requires Before You Can Apply

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) has three hard requirements that you must meet before the Social Security Administration will even look at your application. You must be at least 65 years old, blind, or have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also have limited income and resources — the exact limits change each year, but as of 2024, your countable income must be under $943 per month if you are single, and your total resources must be under $2,000. Finally, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen, and you must live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you do not meet all three of these conditions, you cannot move forward with an SSI application. If you are unsure whether your disability meets the definition, or whether your income is low enough, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask. They can tell you over the phone whether it is worth applying.

Key Takeaways

• You must be 65 or older, blind, or have a disability lasting 12 months or more, and your monthly income and total resources must fall below the current year's limits.
• You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office — online is usually fastest.
• You will need to provide proof of identity, citizenship or immigration status, income, and resources, plus medical records if you are applying based on disability.
• The decision process takes three to six months on average, and you will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you were found to meet SSI's requirements.
• If you are denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days, and if you are still denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

How to Apply Online, by Phone, or In Person

The fastest way to apply is online at ssa.gov/benefits/ssi. You can start an application without logging in, and you can save your progress and come back to it later. The online form takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one, but this takes just a few minutes and requires only an email address and a password.

If you prefer to apply by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will walk you through the questions and can schedule an in-person appointment if you need one. You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times are often long. To find your office, go to ssa.gov/locator.

No matter which method you choose, you will be asked the same questions about your age, income, resources, living situation, and reason for applying. Have your documents ready before you start — this speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will need to provide information again later.

Documents You Need to Gather Before You Apply

Social Security will ask you to prove who you are, that you are a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen, that your income is low enough, and that your resources are low enough. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. If you are applying based on disability, you will also need to show medical records that document your condition.

For citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens should bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you are a non-citizen, you will need to show your green card, work permit, or visa. Social Security has a list of documents they will accept — if you are unsure whether what you have counts, call ahead.

For income, gather recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, and statements from any benefits you receive (unemployment, workers' compensation, pensions, or child support). For resources, you will need recent bank statements, investment statements, and property deeds if you own real estate. Social Security counts cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but does not count your home or your car (up to a certain value).

If you are applying based on disability, collect medical records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for the condition you are claiming. Include test results, imaging reports, and treatment notes. If your records are old or incomplete, ask your providers to send updated information to Social Security — you can give them the address when you apply.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

After you submit your application, Social Security sends you a notice in the mail confirming they received it. This notice includes a case number you can use to check on your application status. You can check online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you applied based on disability, your case goes to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. DDS is a separate agency that works with Social Security to review medical evidence and decide whether your condition meets SSI's definition of disability. This review usually takes two to three months. If DDS needs more information from your doctors, they will contact them directly — you do not have to do this yourself, though you can if you want to speed things up.

If you applied based on age or blindness, Social Security reviews your case in-house, which is usually faster. Either way, you will receive a written decision in the mail. The notice will say whether you were found to meet the requirements, and if you were denied, it will explain why.

What to Do If You Are Denied

If Social Security denies your application, you have the right to challenge the decision. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the date on the denial notice. You can request reconsideration online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local office. When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence, new financial documents, or a written statement explaining why you think the decision was wrong.

Reconsideration is reviewed by a different examiner than the one who made the first decision. This process usually takes two to three months. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 60 days. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testimony, and you can bring a representative — a lawyer, advocate, or trusted person who knows your situation.

Many people find it helpful to work with a representative during the reconsideration or hearing stage. Legal aid organizations in your state may provide free representation, or you can hire a lawyer who specializes in Social Security cases. Lawyers are paid only if you win, and their fee is taken from your back pay.

How Much Money You Can Have and Still Receive SSI

SSI has strict income and resource limits that change each year. As of 2024, your countable monthly income must be under $943 if you are single, or under $1,415 if you are married and both spouses are receiving SSI. Your total countable resources must be under $2,000 if you are single, or under $3,000 if you are married.

Not all income counts toward the limit. Social Security does not count the first $65 of your monthly earnings from work, plus half of anything you earn above that. They also do not count certain types of income, such as food, shelter, or in-kind support from family members. If you receive other benefits like SNAP or housing assistance, those do not count as income for SSI purposes.

Resources are trickier. Social Security counts cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles worth more than $4,650. They do not count your primary home, regardless of its value, or one vehicle used for transportation. They also do not count household goods, personal effects, or life insurance policies. If you are unsure whether something counts, ask Social Security before you apply — having too many resources is a common reason for denial.

What Happens If You Start Working or Your Situation Changes

If you are receiving SSI and you start working, you do not automatically lose your benefits. Social Security has work incentives that allow you to earn money and still receive a reduced benefit. The first $65 of your monthly earnings does not count at all, and you only lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that. This means you can work part-time and still receive some SSI payment.

You must report any change in your income, resources, living situation, or household members within 10 days. If you do not report changes, Social Security may overpay you, and you will have to pay the money back. You can report changes online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by phone, or in person. If you are unsure whether something counts as a change you need to report, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for SSI if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a may have access to non-citizen. This includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration statuses. You will need to show proof of your immigration status when you apply. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 before you apply.

How long does it take to get a decision on my SSI application?

If you applied based on age or blindness, you usually get a decision within one to two months. If you applied based on disability, it typically takes three to six months because your case goes to a separate state agency for medical review. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.

What if I have a job but my income is very low?

You may still be able to receive SSI. Social Security does not count the first $65 of your monthly earnings, and you only lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that. If your job pays less than about $1,073 per month, you will likely still meet the income limit. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find out whether you should apply.

Can I apply for SSI while I am waiting for a decision on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Yes. SSI and SSDI are separate programs with different rules. You can apply for both at the same time, and if you are approved for SSDI, you may still receive a small SSI payment if your SSDI benefit is very low. Tell Social Security that you are applying for both programs so they can coordinate your cases.

What if I own my home — does that disqualify me from SSI?

No. Social Security does not count your primary home as a resource, no matter how much it is worth. If you own a second home or rental property, that does count. You can own one vehicle used for transportation without it counting against your resource limit, but additional vehicles do count.