Learn how to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- This page, Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, is offered by
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits
Contacts
MRC DDS
Phone
Boston toll free
Worcester
Call MRC DDS , Worcester at 508-752-5001
Worcester toll free
To file an initial claim with SSA
To file an initial claim with SSA
Online
File a claim on-line
http://www.ssa.gov
The Details of Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits
What you need for Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits
You will get a faster decision when you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you provide:
- Your Social Security number
- Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers
- Laboratory and test results
- Names, addresses, phone and fax numbers of your doctors, clinics and hospitals
- Names of all medications you are taking
- Names of your employers and job duties for the last 15 years
If you are applying for a child, you also need school records regarding your child's disability.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Don't wait to file your claim for disability payments even if you don't have all this information.
If you think you may be eligible for payments, call (800) 772-1213 to file a claim or contact your local Social Security Office . You must contact the Social Security Administration to apply for benefits. If you are looking for an online application for either SSDI or SSI visit ssa.gov. For an update on case status call the Vocational Disability Examiner (VDE) as identified in your introductory claimant letter
How to apply Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits
If you think you may be eligible for payments, you can apply for disability benefits online with the Social Security Administration.
If you think you may be eligible for payments, call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to file a claim or contact your local Social Security office.
If you think you may be eligible for payments, visit your local Social Security office. You should call first to make an appointment.
Next steps for Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits
Evidence required by DDS for case documentation
Once you apply for disability benefits with the SSA, the Disability Determination Services (DDS), a division of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, will review your case. DDS will review medical information and vocational information, if necessary, that includes:
- A history of all work performed in the last 15 years
- A description of the physical demands and skill requirements for each job
- Educational history
When all required medical and vocational information is received, the disability examiner and staff physician and/or psychologist carefully evaluate each claim, using a sequential evaluation process.
Sources of information
The following people or agencies can help supply the information that is needed to process a claim for disability benefits.
- Treating physicians and psychologists
- Clinic and hospital records
- School records (IEP, IQ evaluations, etc.)
- Consultative examinations authorized by the DDS
- By panel physicians and psychologists
- By attending physicians and psychologists
- Non-physician health care professionals
- Observations by friends, relatives, acquaintances
Contact for Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits
Address
Phone
Boston toll free
Worcester
Call MRC DDS , Worcester at 508-752-5001
Worcester toll free
To file an initial claim with SSA
To file an initial claim with SSA
Online
File a claim on-line
http://www.ssa.gov
Fax
Boston Fax
617.654-7544 or 617.654.7485
Worcester Fax
508-797-1562