Preparing for a Social Security Disability Call

The patient assistance navigator at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital may give you information about how you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits (SSI) for your child. SSI is a program that helps families with limited income whose children have disabilities.

As part of the application process, you will have a phone call with someone from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This call is an important step in applying for SSI. It helps decide if your child qualifies for disability benefits, which provide monthly income support. Social Security will also decide how long your child will receive benefits, based on medical reviews done over time.

Someone from Social Security will schedule the call ahead of time, so you will know when to expect it. Answering the call and giving correct information will help the process go smoothly.

Before the call

Gather these documents:

• Recent doctor’s notes or hospital summaries
• A list of your child’s medicines
• Proof of family income (such as pay stubs or tax returns)
• Bank account details (if needed). SSA may ask for this information to set up direct deposit for benefits. SSA will never ask for payment or sensitive information like passwords.
• Your child’s Social Security number

Find a calm area where you will not be interrupted for the call. Keep a pen and paper nearby to take notes.

During the call 

At the scheduled time, be ready to answer the call. It may show as a private or unknown number. This is normal for official SSA calls, but if you are unsure, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm. 

The call usually takes about 30–60 minutes. The call may take longer depending on the complexity of your case. Set aside enough time so you can focus without distractions.

The representative will ask about:

• Your child’s medical condition
• Your family’s income, savings, and living situation
• Your child’s daily activities and needs

The following tips will help make the call go smoothly: 

• Be honest and detailed: Clearly explain how your child’s condition affects their daily life. Give examples, like if they have trouble walking, eating, or talking.
• Ask questions: If something is unclear, ask the SSA representative to explain.
• Confirm next steps: Before the call ends, ask what happens next and whether you need to do anything else.

After the call

The SSA will review the information you shared. They might ask for more documents or medical records.

It may take several weeks for the SSA to make a decision about benefits for your child. You can check the status of your  application online or by calling SSA. 

You will get a letter in the mail with their decision. If your family is approved, the letter will explain the benefits.

Learn more