Applying for Disability Benefits under Social Security

You apply through your local Social Security Office, not with DDS.

Step 1. Read a Disability Starter Kit.
Before you apply for disability benefits, you should read one of the disability starter kits developed by Social Security:

1. Adult Disability Starter Kit
2. SSI Child Disability Starter Kit (under 18)

These kits provide answers to frequently-asked questions about applying for benefits. They also include:

• The definition of disability;
• A checklist of information and documents you will need to gather; and
• A worksheet that can help you prepare for your disability interview.

Option A: Apply online.
You can apply for disability benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.
 

Option B: Call or visit Social Security.
You can call the national toll free number 1-800-772-1213, or you can call your local Social Security office.  To locate the Social Security office nearest you, go to the Social Security Office Locator and enter your U.S. Postal Service five-digit zip code.  Social Security staff will help you prepare and complete the application.

With either option:
You will have an interview by telephone (or face-to-face, if you prefer) to review your application and make sure it is complete. Social Security staff will determine whether you meet the work and/or income-related requirements for their disability benefits programs. They will send your case to us to determine whether you meet the medical requirements. 
  

Applying for Disability-Based Medicaid

You can apply for Medicaid on the basis of disability with the Economic Services Division of the Vermont Department for Children and Families.  Contact the Health Access Eligibility Unit toll free at 1-800-250-8427 or visit the Green Mountain Care website for more information.

If you receive SSI, you will also receive Medicaid.  However, there are several reasons also to apply for Medicaid directly with Economic Services if you have a disability. Some of them are:

• If you have uncovered medical expenses from before you applied for SSI
• If your income and financial resources are above the SSI limits
• If you are working
• If your child has a disability that severely restricts age-appropriate activities and that requires special services to care for him/her in the home, and the family income and resources are above the SSI limits. This is the Katie Beckett Medicaid Waiver Program.

Economic Services takes all Medicaid applications and sends them, as needed, to us to determine whether you meet the medical requirements.