The Social Security Administration has released a new online tool for individuals who want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Applicants and individuals assisting applicants can now use this online tool to request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits. The request establishes a protective filing date that will be used as the application date, so long as the individual submits an SSI application within 60 days.

After the individual submits the request, the Social Security Administration will schedule an appointment to apply for benefits by phone and send notification of the appointment within 7-14 business days. An individual can also indicate a “priority life circumstance,” such as homelessness, a terminal illness, or recent release from incarceration, that will prompt an SSA employee to attempt to contact the applicant by phone within three business days, to apply for SSI at that time or schedule an appointment to apply. For additional information visit National Center on Law & Elder Rights’ Training on SSI Basics.