What a MIDAS appointment is and how to request one
MIDAS stands for Multisource Information and Diagnosis information System, and it is a benefits counseling service run by your state's Social Security office. A MIDAS appointment is a one-on-one meeting where a counselor reviews your work history, current benefits, and financial situation to explain how work might affect your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
You do not need to be on benefits already to request an appointment. Anyone who receives Social Security, SSI, or is thinking about claiming benefits can contact their local Social Security office to schedule one. The counselor will not make decisions about your case — they will explain your options and answer questions about how earnings, work incentives, and benefit rules interact.
To request an appointment, call your local Social Security office directly or visit ssa.gov and use the office locator to find the phone number for your area. You can also visit in person, though calling ahead to schedule is faster. Tell the staff member you want a MIDAS appointment and mention if you have a specific question — for example, whether you can work part-time without losing benefits, or how to report earnings.
Key Takeaways
- MIDAS appointments are free counseling sessions where a Social Security counselor explains how work and earnings affect your benefits.
- You schedule an appointment by calling your local Social Security office or visiting ssa.gov to find the office nearest you.
- Bring your Social Security card, a recent benefits statement, and any documents about income or work you are considering.
- The counselor will not decide your case or change your benefits — they provide information to help you understand your options.
- Appointments usually take 30 to 60 minutes and can happen in person, by phone, or sometimes by video.
What documents to bring or have ready
Before your appointment, gather documents that show your current situation. Bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number. Have a recent benefits statement — you can find this by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, or call Social Security and ask them to mail one to you.
If you are working or thinking about starting work, bring information about the job: the hourly wage or salary, how many hours per week you expect to work, and the start date if you know it. If you are self-employed or run a business, bring records of your income from the past year. If you receive other income — from a pension, rental property, investments, or a spouse's benefits — have those amounts ready.
Bring any letters from Social Security about your case, especially if you have questions about a specific rule or recent change to your benefits. If you have a representative or advocate helping you, they can attend the appointment with you, though you do not need one.
How the appointment works and what to expect
When you arrive for your appointment, a staff member will check you in and confirm your contact information. The MIDAS counselor will then meet with you in a private or semi-private area. They will start by asking about your work history, your current benefits, and what you want to know.
The counselor will explain how Social Security calculates your benefits, what happens to your payments if you work, and what work incentives may be available to you. For example, they might explain the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit — the amount of monthly earnings that can affect your benefits — or describe programs like Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) that let you set aside income and resources for a work goal.
You can ask questions throughout the appointment. The counselor will not pressure you to work or not work — they are there to make sure you understand the rules so you can make your own decision. At the end, they may give you printed materials or direct you to resources on ssa.gov.
How long appointments take and when you will hear back
A typical MIDAS appointment lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how complex your situation is and how many questions you have. If your case is straightforward — for example, you just want to know if you can work a few hours without losing benefits — the appointment may be shorter. If you have multiple income sources or are considering a major work change, it may take longer.
You will get answers during the appointment itself. The counselor will not need to research your case or call you back later. If they need to verify something in your file, they can usually do that while you wait, or they will explain what they are checking and when you will hear back.
If you need written confirmation of what was discussed — for example, to show an employer or a doctor — ask the counselor before you leave. They can provide a summary or direct you to where you can request one.
Preparing questions to ask during your appointment
Think about what you most want to know before you go. Write down your questions so you do not forget them during the appointment. Common questions include: "How much can I earn before my benefits go down?" "What is the difference between SSI and Social Security?" "Can I work and still get Medicare?" and "What happens if I go back to work and then have to stop?"
If you are considering a specific job or work situation, describe it in detail. Instead of asking "Can I work?", say "I have been offered a job that pays $15 an hour for 20 hours a week starting in March. I currently receive $1,200 a month in Social Security. What will happen to my benefits?" The more specific you are, the more precise the counselor's answer will be.
If you have already received a letter from Social Security that confused you, bring it and ask the counselor to explain it. If you are worried about a specific rule or have heard something you are not sure about, ask about that too. There are no bad questions in a MIDAS appointment.
What happens after your appointment
After your appointment, you will have information to make decisions about work. You are not required to do anything — the appointment is just to help you understand your options. If you decide to work, you will need to report your earnings to Social Security, usually by phone or through your online account.
If the counselor mentioned a work incentive program that might help you — such as PASS, Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), or a ticket to work — ask for the contact information for the organization that runs it in your state. Some of these programs require separate paperwork or approval, so it is good to know that before you leave.
Keep any printed materials the counselor gave you. If you have follow-up questions later, you can call your local Social Security office and ask to speak with a MIDAS counselor again, or you can call the work incentives planning and information (WIPA) project in your state, which offers free work incentive counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be on Social Security or SSI to get a MIDAS appointment?
No. Anyone can request a MIDAS appointment, whether you are currently receiving benefits or thinking about claiming them in the future. If you are working and wondering how benefits would work if you had to stop, you can still get counseling.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, representative, or advocate. Let the Social Security office know when you schedule that you will have someone with you, so they can make sure there is enough space.
What if I cannot make it to the office in person?
Many Social Security offices offer MIDAS appointments by phone or video. When you call to schedule, ask what options are available in your area. Phone and video appointments work the same way as in-person ones — you will still talk one-on-one with a counselor.
Will the counselor tell me whether I should work or not?
No. The counselor's job is to explain how work affects your benefits, not to tell you what to do. The decision is yours. They will make sure you understand the rules so you can decide what is right for your situation.
Is there a cost for a MIDAS appointment?
No. MIDAS appointments are free. Social Security also offers free work incentive counseling through WIPA projects and Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) programs in every state.