Once your loved one has a formal diagnosis, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to begin the disability evaluation process. Because the system moves slowly, the sooner you start, the sooner they can be awarded benefits. [1, 2, 3]

In our own journey, once I learned my loved one was likely to be disabled for some time, I immediately applied to Social Security. Legally, our loved ones must apply themselves, but they can formally authorize a family member or another trusted person to communicate with Social Security on their behalf by filling out an SSA Appointment of Representative form. [1, 2, 3, 4]

I gently assured my loved one that my only purpose in assisting with the approval process was to help him get access to financial stability and his own money. Thankfully, he was happy with that. With some loved ones, having this conversation may be much more difficult. If you are facing that hurdle, I have put together some ideas to help you overcome it on this page [Link to internal page].

Gathering What You Need

The application can be filled out online via the official Social Security Administration portal. While the process is fairly straightforward, it requires a mountain of background history. Take a deep breath and gather these elements before you begin: [1, 2, 3]

• Exact dates of hospital admissions and discharges.
• The names and addresses of doctors who diagnosed them.
• Complete employment and work records.
• Any official medical summaries or psychiatric evaluations. [1, 2, 3, 4]

If your loved one feels anxious about the process, have them sit right next to you while you complete the online application so they can see exactly what you are doing. If they are currently too unwell to participate, you can complete the bulk of the form independently and briefly review it with them before submitting.

If You Need Extra Help: The SOAR Program

If your loved one’s history is complicated, or if they are refusing to let you help them, you do not have to carry this weight alone. There is an incredible program staffed by experts called SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

This national initiative is specifically designed to navigate the ssi/ssdi process for people who have a serious mental illness and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They know exactly how to get applications approved quickly. You can find a dedicated case worker in your state by visiting the national SOAR Directory. [1]

What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

Understanding these two acronyms is one of the biggest hurdles for caregivers. The simplest way to break it down is:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources who have not worked enough hours in the past to qualify for regular disability. It is based entirely on current financial need and their medical diagnosis. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program is built on an individual's past work history. If your loved one worked and paid taxes for a certain number of years before the illness became severe, they may qualify for monthly SSDI payments regardless of their current assets. [1, 2, 3]