How to Apply for Social Security Disability if You're Homeless

If you have a disability and don’t have a permanent address right now, you might wonder if you can receive disability benefits like SSDI or SSI. A lot of people think you need a mailing address to apply for benefits, but there are workarounds.

If you need disability benefits, you should apply as soon as possible. Waiting until you have housing can delay your benefit payments. Read our guide to receiving Social Security disability benefits when living without stable housing.

Can I qualify for benefits if I’m homeless?

Yes, you can qualify for disability benefits if you are homeless. A person without a permanent residence has the same rights and privileges as any other applicant for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration has two disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs have different eligibility requirements and benefits, but having a permanent address is not a factor in qualifying.

How to qualify for SSDI

SSDI provides recipients with a monthly check and Medicare coverage. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the following qualifications:

• Medical: You have a current medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least a year or lead to death.

• Work history: You have a recent work history and have paid Social Security taxes, typically meeting certain work credit requirements.

How to qualify for SSI

SSI is a better fit for applicants with little to no work history. Recipients get monthly payments and Medicaid coverage. Here are the requirements to qualify:

• Medical: You have a current medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least a year or lead to death.

• Resources: You have limited income from any source and few assets (less than $2,000 for individuals, and less than $3,000 for couples).

SSI beneficiaries can also qualify for subsidized housing or rental assistance programs. 

What can I do if I’m facing eviction?

If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits and are at risk of eviction or do not have access to shelter, flag your application as “dire need” to the Social Security Administration to speed up your case. 

To let them know it is urgent, note your situation in the remarks section on your application, write a dire need letter, and call your local SSA office. If you’re at the hearing stage, notify the SSA’s Office of Hearings Operations of your pending eviction. 

You should also contact a local legal aid organization to get help if you're facing eviction. Tenant laws and regulations vary by location, but FindHelp.org can help you find housing resources.

Should I apply for benefits?

Yes, if you qualify for disability benefits, you should apply as soon as possible. Here are a few advantages:

• You can receive monthly payments 

• You can receive access to healthcare coverage (Medicaid for SSDI, and Medicare for SSI)

• You can receive back pay to cover the period between your application submission and approval (SSI) or between your when your disability began, and you became eligible for benefits (SSDI)

• You can meet the income requirements for low-income and subsidized housing programs

How can I apply for disability benefits if I don’t have a permanent mailing address?

If you don’t have a mailing or permanent address, you can still apply for disability and receive payments. Consider the following options:

• Apply in person. Submit your application in person at the SSA field office closest to you. 

• Visit your local library. You can access the online application at a local library. Some libraries will allow people without a fixed address to sign up for a library card. A letter from a shelter or social service agency can help. 

• Use someone else’s address. The application has a section for contact information. You can list a third-party address, like the address of a friend or family member, to streamline communication with the SSA.

5 tips for applying for disability

Applying for disability is confusing, especially if you don’t have a place to live. These tips can help:

1. Get medical care. The SSA wants to see that you’re working to improve your medical condition. If you don't have health insurance, seek treatment from community health centers or clinics. You might be able to find shelter-based health care programs, rescue missions, or nonsectarian programs. 

2. Document your housing situation. Obtain letters from shelters or social service agencies stating you are unhoused. These are helpful to present to the SSA as part of your application. 

3. Tell the SSA how they can reach you. Make sure to update the SSA with your contact information. You don’t want the SSA to ask for more details about your case only for their request to go to the wrong address, which can stall your application.

4. Flag your case as dire need. If you’re having trouble finding a place to stay or face eviction, you can qualify as a dire need case. Writing a dire need letter can inform the SSA of your housing situation to speed up the review process.

5. Work with a representative. A disability lawyer can help you navigate each stage of the disability application process. You won’t need to pay them anything upfront. If you win benefits, they get paid a one-time fee. 

How can I receive payments?

Once approved for disability, receiving payments may require extra steps if you’re unhoused, but it is possible. To ensure payment, you can:

• Set up a direct deposit to your personal bank

• Get a Direct Express bank card (a safe, prepaid debit card you can get for free to use for federal disability benefits even if you don’t have a bank account)

• Mail the check to a third party, like a friend or family member

• Have a representative payee (a person, agency, organization, or institution to manage your benefits) 

Can I receive benefits if I live in a homeless shelter?

Yes, you can receive SSDI or SSI benefits if you live in a temporary public housing shelter. You can receive monthly benefits for up to six months out of every nine months you are there.

Get help applying for disability benefits

If you’re applying for disability benefits, Atticus can help you navigate the process. Take our short disability quiz to see if you qualify and call our team today to get personalized advice about your options.

If you’d like, Atticus can connect you with a good disability lawyer to help you navigate the application process. There is no upfront payment—lawyers only get paid a one-time fee if they win you benefits.

Related resources:

How to Write a Dire Need Letter for Social Security Disability

By Jackie Jakab

Resources for People With Disabilities: Housing, Health Care, Legal Help, and More

By Sydney Hershenhorn