The Social Security Administration (SSA) just released a new online tool that creates a protective filing date when applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, as long as the SSI application is submitted within 60 days of making the online request. The protective filing date is important because if the application is subsequently approved, it could mean an additional month or two of SSI benefits.

After you submit a request, SSA will schedule a telephone appointment to apply for benefits. If “priority life circumstances” — e.g., homelessness, a terminal illness, recent release from incarceration, or being a wounded warrior — is indicated in the application, SSA will try to call within three business days to take the application for SSI benefits over the phone or schedule an appointment for you to apply.

More detailed information about the online tool can be found here.