HOW DO I APPLY FOR SSI?
See page 58 Social Security Offices. Come in, or call (800) 772-1213 to make an appointment. Even if the process from application to first check takes months, when you are approved the benefits will be paid beginning with when you started the application. Do not accept a verbal denial. Insist on filing at least a partial application. If you do not have all the necessary information, you can give additional or corrected information later.
An online application for SSI is currently being developed.
TTY Number for hearing impaired (800) 325-0778
If you have difficulty with English or with hearing, the Social Security Office will provide you with an interpreter without cost. You may have help from a friend, family member or advocate at any appointment. If your condition makes getting to the office difficult, you may ask for a telephone interview.
If you want to sign a form allowing someone else to serve as your representative, ask by phone for form SSA-1696 to be mailed to you. Parents or guardians can apply for a child under age 18 who is blind or who has a disability.
You will need to provide:
• Social Security card or record of number
• birth certificate or other proof of age
• rent or mortgage information
• payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, car registration, burial fund records
• names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors
hospitals and clinics that have treated them (if applying for SSI because of disability or blindness)
• proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status
You should apply even if they don’t have all the things listed. The Social Security Office can help you get whatever is needed.
Your case will be sent to a state agency under contract with SSA to obtain your medical records and decide whether you meet the medical requirements for eligibility to benefits. In general, people who are blind or have very obvious disabilities are approved more quickly than those who must have their disabilities more extensively verified.
If the state decides that you are not disabled enough to get SSI, you can appeal.
If necessary, you can apply for General Assistance while you wait for SSI approval. Ask if the county will help you get SSI while you are on General Assistance.
If you get a notice that you have been overpaid, and you believe it is not your fault, insist on immediately submitting a “Request for Waiver of Overpayment.”
If you believe that your SSI check or any notice that you get is wrong, insist on immediately submitting a “Request for Reconsideration”. Legal Services (see section on Legal Services) and advocacy organizations can help you best after you insist on these forms to protect your rights. There are also private attorneys who help with disability cases.
Also, some Congressional district offices have free experts at Social Security Casework. Call yours and ask for help with a hearing or complaint.