You file one process that covers both SSDI and SSI at the same time

When you submit an process to Social Security for disability benefits, you do not fill out separate forms for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). The same process goes to both programs. Social Security reviews your case against the rules for each program and tells you which one you may have access to for, if any.

This matters because the two programs have different rules about work history, income limits, and how much money you can have in savings. You might may have access to for one but not the other. By filing one process, you give Social Security the information it needs to make that information for both programs at once.

The form you use is called the process for Disability Insurance Benefits (Form SSA-16). You can file it online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The process asks about your medical condition, work history, and current living situation — the same questions both programs need answered.

Key Takeaways

  • One process covers both SSDI and SSI; you do not file twice or use different forms.
  • Social Security automatically reviews your case against both programs' rules and tells you which one you may have access to for.
  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office.
  • The same medical records and work history information answer the questions both programs ask.
  • If you do not may have access to for SSDI, Social Security will still consider you for SSI based on your income and resources.

What happens after you file one process

After you submit your process, a Social Security examiner reviews it and orders medical records from your doctors. The examiner checks whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning it prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Once the medical review is complete, Social Security determines which program you may have access to for. If you have enough work credits from past employment, you may have access to for SSDI. If you do not have enough work credits but your income and resources are low enough, you may have access to for SSI. If you meet the medical standard and have both work credits and low income, you may may have access to for both programs at once (though you receive only one payment).

If you do not meet the medical standard, you are denied for both programs. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process is the same whether you are appealing an SSDI denial, an SSI denial, or both.

Why Social Security uses one process for two programs

SSDI and SSI both require the same medical proof of disability. The difference is not in what disability means — it is in who pays for it and what other rules explore. SSDI is funded by payroll taxes and requires work history. SSI is funded by general tax revenue and has income and resource limits.

Because the medical standard is identical, Social Security designed the system to gather the medical information once and then explore it to both programs' other rules. This saves you from filing twice and saves Social Security from reviewing the same medical evidence twice.

The one process also means you do not have to guess which program you might may have access to for. You provide your work history and income information, and Social Security sorts out which program fits your situation.

What information you need to provide on the single process

The process asks for your medical history, work history, and current financial situation. For the medical section, you list the conditions that prevent you from working, when they started, and the doctors or hospitals treating you. Social Security uses this to order records and have a medical consultant review your case.

For work history, you list your jobs from the past 15 years, including the dates you worked and what you did. This information determines whether you have enough work credits for SSDI. If you do not have recent work history, that does not disqualify you from SSI — it just means SSDI is not an option.

For income and resources, you report your current monthly income (from any source), savings, and assets. This information is used only for SSI. SSDI has no income or resource limits, so this section does not affect your SSDI decision. But if you do not may have access to for SSDI, Social Security uses this information to decide whether you may have access to for SSI.

How to file the process

You have three ways to file: online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. Online filing is usually fastest because you can complete it at your own pace and Social Security processes it when ready.

If you file online, you create a my Social Security account, answer the questions in the process, and submit it. You will receive a confirmation number. Social Security then contacts you if it needs more information.

If you file by phone, a representative walks you through the questions and files the process for you. If you file in person, bring identification and any medical records you have. An office worker will help you complete the form.

Whichever method you choose, you will need to provide the same information. Have your doctors' names and addresses, dates of your medical visits, and a list of your jobs and employers ready before you start.

What to expect after filing

Social Security sends you a letter confirming your process was received. This letter includes a claim number you should keep for your records. You can use this number to check the status of your case online or by phone.

Within a few weeks, Social Security orders medical records from your doctors. This process usually takes 30 to 60 days. If your doctors are slow to send records, the review takes longer. You can speed this up by asking your doctors' offices to send the records directly to Social Security.

After the medical review is complete, Social Security makes a decision. The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer if more medical evidence is needed. You will receive a letter telling you whether you are approved for SSDI, SSI, both, or neither.

If you are denied and want to appeal

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal. You do not file a new process — you request reconsideration of the same case. The appeal process is the same whether you were denied for SSDI, SSI, or both.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. At reconsideration, a different examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you have gathered.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where many people present their case in more detail, sometimes with a lawyer or representative. Hearings often result in approval when the initial decision was wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to choose between SSDI and SSI when I file?

No. You file one process and Social Security determines which program you may have access to for based on your work history, income, and medical condition. You do not choose — the program rules determine your outcome.

What if I have worked but not recently — which program should I file for?

File the one process. If you have enough work credits from past jobs, you may may have access to for SSDI even if you have not worked in years. If you do not have enough credits, Social Security will consider you for SSI based on your current income and resources. One process covers both possibilities.

Can I file for SSDI first and then SSI later if I am denied?

You do not need to. When you file one process, Social Security reviews you for both programs at the same time. If you are denied for SSDI, the same decision letter will tell you whether you may have access to for SSI. You do not file again.

If I may have access to for both SSDI and SSI, do I get two payments?

No. If you may have access to for both programs, Social Security pays you under the SSDI program (because it usually pays more) and does not pay SSI. You receive one monthly payment, not two.

What if my work history changes after I file — do I need to file again?

No. Your process is based on your work history at the time you file. If you return to work after you file but before a decision is made, tell Social Security. Work after filing does not change your process, but it may affect your case if you are approved and then work later.