If You Need to Apply for Benefits

Social Security benefits for people affected by Hurricane Katrina

If a family member died as a result of Hurricane Katrina, you or other family members may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits.

If you suffered critical injuries during Hurricane Katrina, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Social Security is working with Federal, State and local officials to assist families who may be eligible for Social Security benefits. We have put in place emergency procedures that will provide prompt and efficient processing of applications for benefits.

If you think you may be eligible for benefits, apply as soon as possible. Social Security staff are ready and willing to help you through the process.

• Who is eligible for survivors benefits?
• Who is eligible for disability benefits?
• Who is eligible for retirement benefits?
• Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income?

Who is eligible for survivors benefits?

Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:

• A widow or widower -- full benefits at full retirement age (currently age 65 and 2 months), or reduced benefits as early as age 60
• A disabled widow or widower -- as early as age 50
• A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits
• Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children.
• Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.
• Dependent parents age 62 or older

How to apply

Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

You also can apply at any open Social Security office.

For more information

For more information about survivors benefits, see our Survivors booklet.

Who is eligible for disability benefits?

Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some programs give money to people with partial disability or short-term disability, Social Security does not.

Certain family members of disabled workers also can receive benefits from Social Security.

How to apply

You can apply for disability benefits online, or if you prefer, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

You also can apply at any open Social Security office.

For more information

For more information about disability benefits, see our Disability booklet.

Who is eligible for retirement benefits?

People who are 62 or older and have worked long enough in Social Security-covered employment may be eligible for retirement benefits.

How to apply

You can apply for retirement benefits online, or if you prefer, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

You also can apply at any open Social Security office.

For more information

For more information about retirement benefits, see our Retirement booklet.

Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, makes monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources and are:

• Age 65 or older;
• Blind; or
• Disabled.

How to apply

Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

You also can apply at any open Social Security office.

For more information

For more information about SSI, see our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) booklet.