1. Disability Starter Kit
The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18.
The starter kits provide information about the specific documents and the information that we will request from you. We will ask for more details during your interview or when you complete the online Disability Report.
The kits also provide general information about the disability programs and our decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.
To get the Disability Starter Kit please visit:
2. The Disability Planner
This disability planner will explain the benefits available, how you can qualify, and who can receive benefits on your earnings record. It will also explain how to apply for the benefits and what happens when your application is approved.
To obtain this planner please visit:
3. How Disability can be applied for Online
You can apply online at your convenience from your home, or go to the local SSA office during the hours below (Eastern time):
Monday-Friday: 5 a.m. until 1 a.m.
Saturday: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Holidays: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.
You can apply online by visiting this site:
4. Social Security Survivor Benefits
Most of us don't like to talk about death or even think about it. But wouldn't you feel better knowing that, if you were no longer living, Social Security would help take care of your family? Of course, you would.
To find out more about Social Security Survivor Proteciton, please visit:
5. The Appeals Process
This link will provide you with all the information that you will need for the Appeals process. Please visit:
6. Application for a Social Security Card
The Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) can be used by anyone who has never been issued a card, needs a replacement card or has changed his or her name.
To download the application:
7. Where is the Hearing Going to Take Place.
Our seven hearing offices serve residents of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and parts of Illinois in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The particular SSA field offices served by hearing offices in this region may vary at times due to workload balancing efforts. The service area assignments shown below may reflect temporary changes. To View the list of Hearing Locations:
8. Military Service and Social Security
Earnings for active duty military service or active duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Social Security has covered inactive duty service in the armed forces reserves (such as weekend drills) since 1988. If you served in the military before 1957, you did not pay Social Security taxes, but we gave you special credit for some of your service.
For more information:
9. Medicare Information
For more information on Medicare Benefits:
10. Cost of Living Adjustments
Your benefits may increase or decrease.
For more information about the Cost of Living Index: