How to Apply for Disability in Oregon State

If you live in Oregon, you are eligible for two different federally funded programs when you have a disability. These are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is determined by the financial need of your family, while SSDI is based on how much of your money was paid into the system while you were working. The procedures for applying as an adult and on behalf of your child are slightly different.

Instructions

Applying for SSI and SSDI as an Adult

• 1

  Decide whether you want to apply online or in person. If you want to fill the applications out in person, you must locate the most convenient social security office and make an appointment. You can find the closest office by going to the Social Security Administration website, clicking the "Find a Social Security Office" link, entering your zip code and clicking "Submit." If you choose to complete the process online, the forms are also available on the Social Security Administration's website under the "What You Can Do Online" link.

• 2

  Determine the benefits you plan to apply for by going to the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) on the Social Security Administration website. Fill out the online form with an overview of your situation. That information will be used to give you a better understanding of what benefits you have the potential to receive.

• 3

  Take time to look at the Adult Disability Starter Kit on the Social Security Administration website. This provides answers to questions and an overview of the steps that will need to be taken during the application process. Click the link for the Adult Disability Starter Kit to see the document.

• 4

  IFill out the application for Social Security benefits if you have ever been employed. This should take 15 to 30 minutes and will provide information on your eligibility to receive Social Security. This information will be used to determine how much money you have paid into Social Security and could influence your eligibility to receive SSDI.

• 5

  Fill out an Adult Disability Report to provide information on what your disability is and how it affects you and your family. Part of this process will require you to allow your doctor to give information about your disability to the people that need it in order to make decisions.

Applying for SSI on Behalf of a Child

• 6

  Take time to look at the Child Disability Starter Kit to learn about potential benefits and the application process. This kit can be found on the Social Security Administration's website under the steps to apply for disability on a child's behalf.

• 7

  Get in touch with the Social Security office to determine whether or not your child and family will be eligible for disability benefits. You can do this by finding the address and phone number of your local office.

• 8

  A Child Disability Report should be filled out and can be found on the Social Security Administration's website. When this is filled out, you will be asked information about your child's disability and required to give permission for your child's doctor to give information so a decision can be made.