Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.

Applying for SSI or SSDI from Indiana

You apply with Social Security, not the state. Indiana's Disability Determination Bureau makes the medical decision. If you are turned down, you have 60 days after you get the notice to ask for a second look.

1. Step 1: Apply with Social Security

   SSI and SSDI are federal programs. To apply, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office.

   • Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “Call the Social Security Administration toll free at 800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office.” (checked 2026-10-15)

2. Step 2: SSDI and SSI are different

   SSDI (Title II) is for people who earned coverage through past work. SSI (Title XVI) is based on income and resources.

   • Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “Title II (Disability Insurance) covers workers who have established eligibility through prior work” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) has a needs-based income and resource eligibility requirement” (checked 2026-10-15)

3. Step 3: Know who makes the medical decision

   In Indiana, the Disability Determination Bureau makes the medical decision, using the federal definition of disability. Answer its letters and calls.

   • Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “The DDB must follow the statutory definition of disability in making its medical determinations.” (checked 2026-10-15)

4. Step 4: Check on your claim

   Call the Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 and ask for the examiner on your claim. The examiner name and number are on the last page of its letters.

   • Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “Call the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau toll free at 800-622-4968 and ask the Operator for the Examiner assigned to your claim.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “The name and phone number is listed on the last page of correspondence that you have received from the Disability Determination Bureau.” (checked 2026-10-15)

5. Step 5: Ask for a second look within 60 days

   If you are turned down, ask Social Security in writing to reconsider within 60 days after you get the notice. Read your notice for the exact steps.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 20 CFR 416.1409, How to request reconsideration (SSI, 10-1-24 edition) says: “files a written request at one of our offices within 60 days after the date you receive notice of the initial determination” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 20 CFR 404.909, How to request reconsideration (10-1-24 edition) says: “files a written request— (1) Within 60 days after the date you receive notice” (checked 2026-10-15)

6. Step 6: Ask about health coverage

   To apply for Indiana Medicaid, call DFR at 1-800-403-0864. You can also apply in person, online or by mail.

   • Indiana Medicaid: Apply for Coverage says: “To apply by phone, call DFR at 1-800-403-0864.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana Medicaid: Apply for Coverage says: “You can apply in person, online, by mail, or by phone.” (checked 2026-10-15)

Status unknown, call to confirm. Social Security decides your claim. Read every notice and call before a deadline.

• Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “Call the Social Security Administration toll free at 800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office.” (checked 2026-10-15)
• Indiana FSSA: Indiana Disability Determination Bureau says: “Call the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau toll free at 800-622-4968 and ask the Operator for the Examiner assigned to your claim.” (checked 2026-10-15)

Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.