Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits: 18 and Over

• 1). Refer to the "Things You'll Need" section and gather all information needed to complete the application. Both the Social Security Benefit application and the Adult Disability Report require these items to complete.
  
  
• 2). Complete and submit the Social Security Benefit application on the Social Security website.
  
  
• 3). Complete and submit the Adult Disability Report on the Social Security website. Each page of the form has a time limit of 25 minutes, so you may also choose to save the application and complete it at a later time. Write down your confirmation number for use later.
  
  
• 4). Download and print out the Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration form. Although the rest of the forms may be submitted online, this part of the application process requires that you fill out the form and submit it in person or by mail to the Social Security office in your town.
  
  
• 5). Check the status of your application on the Social Security website by inputting your Social Security number and confirmation number. The average wait time for a social security disability claim after submission is three to five months.
  
  

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits: Under 18

• 1). Contact the Social Security office at 800-772-1213 to determine whether your income and resources allow you to apply for Social Security disability benefits for the child.
  
  
• 2). Visit the Social Security website if your child is eligible for benefits, and click the link "Applying for Disability Benefits for Children."
  
  
• 3). Follow the steps detailed on the website, which will require you to gather relavant information and submit forms both online and in person, as with the adult application. The steps and required documentation are slightly different, however, so consult the website for details.