Social Security is a program associated in the minds of many with old age and retirement. However, the SSA offers other programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The former program is one that gives additional assistance to low income individuals who have a disability while the latter is for workers that later become disabled be it at work or elsewhere. But how do you go about applying for those programs? For SSI you must, unfortunately, go in person to a SSA office and provide documents ranging from ID cards to financial information to medical reports (the requirements of which is detailed in the article). However, the process for SSDI is a bit simpler and can be done online and does not need information about earnings although the other document requirements are much the same as for SSI. While the application process may seem daunting, adequate preparation can help ease the burden and ensure that a person receives the benefits to which they are due.
See Matthew Frankel, How to Apply for Disability Benefits Through Social Security, My San Antonio, March 27, 2016.
