The Social Security Administration manages two disability programs

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that runs disability benefits in the United States. It operates two separate programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs pay monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities, but they work differently and have different rules about who can receive them.

SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you or a family member paid into Social Security. SSI is based on financial need, not work history. The SSA handles applications, payments, and ongoing case management for both programs from its network of local field offices across the country.

Understanding which program you might be dealing with matters because the payment amounts, the rules about working, and the way the SSA counts your income are different for each one.

Key Takeaways

  • The SSA is a federal agency that processes and pays both SSDI and SSI, with local field offices in most cities and towns.
  • SSDI payments are based on your own work record or a family member's work record; SSI payments are based on financial need.
  • The SSA sets the payment amounts each year, and in 2024 the average SSDI payment was around $1,550 per month, though individual amounts vary widely.
  • You can contact the SSA by phone, in person at a field office, or through its website to ask questions about your specific situation.
  • The SSA also manages Medicare and Medicaid may be able to access for people receiving disability benefits.

How SSA field offices work

The SSA operates a field office in most cities and many smaller towns. These offices are where you go to explore for benefits, report changes to your case, or speak to someone in person about your situation. You do not have to visit an office to explore — you can start online or by phone — but many people find it helpful to talk to someone face-to-face, especially if your case is complicated.

Field office staff can answer questions about whether you might be on track for benefits, help you gather documents, and explain what happens after you explore. Wait times at offices vary by location and time of day. You can call ahead to ask about wait times or schedule an appointment, which usually moves faster than walk-ins.

The SSA also has a toll-free number (1-800-772-1213) that connects you to a representative who can answer questions, take an process over the phone, or direct you to your local office. This line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone.

What the SSA looks at when deciding payment amounts

For SSDI, the SSA calculates your payment based on your lifetime earnings record. The agency looks at how much you earned in covered work (work where you paid Social Security taxes) and uses a formula to turn that into a monthly benefit. People who earned more over their working years generally receive higher SSDI payments. The SSA recalculates this amount once a year based on national wage trends.

For SSI, the SSA looks at your current financial situation instead. It counts how much money you have in the bank, what income you receive from other sources, and whether you have a spouse or parent living with you. The SSA then subtracts certain amounts and pays you the difference, up to a maximum monthly amount. This maximum changes each year — in 2024 it was $943 per month for an individual, though some states add extra money on top of the federal amount.

Both programs have rules about how much you can earn from work without losing benefits. For SSDI, you can earn up to a certain amount (called the "substantial gainful activity" level) without losing your benefits entirely, though your payment may be reduced. For SSI, the rules are stricter — the SSA counts most of your earnings as income and reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar.

How the SSA processes applications

When you explore for SSDI or SSI, the SSA takes your process and sends it to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). The DDS is not part of the SSA — it is run by your state — but it works on behalf of the SSA to review medical evidence and decide whether you meet the SSA's definition of disability.

The DDS will ask you for medical records, contact your doctors, and may order a medical exam. This process usually takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if your medical records are hard to find or if your case is complex. The SSA will send you a letter when a decision is made.

If you are denied, you can ask the SSA to reconsider. If you are still denied after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ is independent of the SSA and DDS and makes a new decision based on all the evidence. Many people who are denied at first approval are approved at the hearing stage.

Medicare and Medicaid through the SSA

The SSA does not just pay cash benefits — it also manages your health insurance. If you are approved for SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare after you have been receiving benefits for 24 months. Medicare is federal health insurance that covers hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs (with some costs you pay yourself).

If you are approved for SSI, you may be may be able to access for Medicaid right away. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that covers medical costs, and the rules vary by state. Some states cover more services than others. The SSA will tell you what you are may be able to access for when your benefits are approved.

You do not have to do anything special to get Medicare or Medicaid — the SSA enrolls you automatically. However, you should understand what each program covers and what it does not, because there may be gaps in coverage you need to plan for.

Reporting changes to the SSA

Once you are receiving benefits, you must tell the SSA about certain changes in your life. These include starting work, earning more money, getting married or divorced, moving to a different state, going to prison, or having a significant change in your medical condition. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you will have to repay.

You can report changes online through your "my Social Security" account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a field office. The SSA recommends reporting changes as soon as they happen rather than waiting for your next check. Some changes (like starting work) need to be reported right away; others (like a move) can wait a few weeks.

The SSA also sends you a form called a "Continuing Disability Review" (CDR) periodically to confirm that you still meet the definition of disability. How often you receive this form depends on your age and the likelihood that your condition will improve. You must complete and return it, or your benefits can be stopped.

Getting help from outside organizations

The SSA itself is free to contact and work with. However, some people hire a lawyer or representative to help them with their case, especially if they have been denied and are appealing. These representatives charge a fee (usually a percentage of back pay if you win), and the SSA must approve the fee before the representative can collect it.

There are also free organizations that help people understand the SSA system. These include Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) programs in each state, local disability rights organizations, and some legal aid offices. These organizations can answer questions and sometimes represent you at a hearing for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the SSA to ask if I might be on track for disability benefits?

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative who can answer general questions about SSDI or SSI. They can tell you what the SSA looks for and what documents you might need, but they cannot make a formal decision about your case until you explore. For a more detailed conversation, you can also visit a local field office in person.

How do I know which program I might be on — SSDI or SSI?

If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, you are likely dealing with SSDI. If you have little or no work history, or if you worked but did not earn much, you might be on SSI instead. The SSA will tell you which program you are on when you explore. Some people receive both programs at the same time, though the total payment is capped.

What happens if I disagree with the SSA's decision about my payment amount?

For SSDI, your payment is based on your earnings record, which the SSA calculates automatically. You can ask the SSA to review your earnings record if you think there is an error. For SSI, if you think the SSA counted your income or resources incorrectly, you can ask for a reconsideration. Both requests should be made in writing to your local field office.

Does the SSA have an online account I can use to check my benefits?

Yes. You can create a "my Social Security" account at ssa.gov to view your payment amount, see your payment history, and report certain changes. You can also use this account to request a replacement Social Security card or check your earnings record. You will need to verify your identity to set up the account.

What if I move to a different state while receiving benefits?

You can move and keep your benefits. You must tell the SSA about your move, but your payment amount will not change just because you moved. If you are on SSI, moving to a state with a higher SSI payment might increase your benefit, but this is not automatic — you need to report the move so the SSA can recalculate your payment.