All applications we receive from people with HIV/AIDS are processed as quickly as possible. Social Security works with an agency in each state called the Disability Determination Services. The state agency will look at the information you and your doctor give us and decide if you qualify for benefits. We can pay you SSI benefits right away for up to six months before we make a final decision on your claim if:
- You’re not working;
- You meet the SSI rules about income and resources; and
- Your doctor or other medical source certifies that your HIV infection meets certain criteria based on our medical eligibility rules.
How can I help speed up my claim?
You can help speed up the processing of your claim by having certain information when you apply. This includes:
- Your Social Security number and birth certificate and the Social Security numbers and birth certificates of any family members who may be applying for benefits; and
- A copy of your most recent W-2 form. (If you’re applying for SSI, we’ll also need information about your income and resources; for example, bank statements, unemployment records, rent receipts, and car registration.) We also need information about:
- The names and addresses of any doctors, hospitals, or clinics you’ve been to for treatment;
- How HIV/AIDS has affected your daily activities, such as cleaning, shopping, cooking, taking the bus, etc.; and
- The kinds of jobs you’ve had during the past 15 years.
Additionally, we’ll ask your doctor to complete a form telling us how your HIV infection has affected you. You or your doctor can access form “SSA-4814” for adults or “SSA- 4815” for children at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/index.html or you can call the 800 number to ask for the appropriate form. After your doctor completes and signs the appropriate form, bring or send the form to us.
