The first step: contacting Social Security

To start a Social Security disability claim, you contact Social Security directly. You have three ways to do this: call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers), visit your local Social Security office in person, or go online to ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account to begin your claim there.

When you call or visit an office, a representative will ask you basic questions about your medical condition, work history, and when your disability began. They will tell you what documents you should gather before your next appointment. If you start online, you can fill out the initial form at your own pace and submit it when you are ready.

Most people find the online route fastest because you avoid waiting for an appointment. However, if you have never created a my Social Security account before, you will need to set one up first — this takes about 10 minutes and requires an email address and a phone number.

Key Takeaways

  • You start your claim by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting a local office, or creating an account on ssa.gov to file online.
  • Social Security will ask about your medical condition, when it started, and your work history — have medical records and employment dates ready.
  • The claim process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer if Social Security requests more information.
  • You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling the same number you used to file.

What documents you need before you call

Social Security does not require you to have everything before you file, but having certain documents ready speeds up the process. Gather your Social Security card (or the number), birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency — a passport, naturalization papers, or a state ID work for this.

You will also need medical records that show your condition and when it started. These can be from a doctor, hospital, clinic, or mental health provider. Bring dates of visits, test results, medication lists, and any notes about how your condition affects your daily life and work. If you do not have recent records, Social Security can request them from your doctors, but this adds time to your case.

Have a list of all jobs you held in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked and what you did. If you are self-employed or own a business, bring tax returns from the past two years. You do not need to be perfectly organized — Social Security can help you gather what is missing — but having these items ready means your claim moves faster.

What happens after you file

Once you submit your claim, Social Security sends it to a Disability information Services office in your state. This office is separate from Social Security itself and has doctors and specialists who review your medical records. They decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning you cannot work for at least 12 months because of your medical condition.

During this review, Social Security may contact your doctors to ask for more details about your condition. They may also ask you to see a doctor they choose and pay for — this is called a consultative examination. You do not pay for this exam; Social Security does. If they request an exam, they will tell you where to go and when.

The initial decision usually comes within three to six months, though some cases take longer. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved, denied, or whether Social Security needs more information from you.

If you are approved

If Social Security approves your claim, the letter will tell you your monthly payment amount and when your first check arrives. For most people, the first payment comes one to two months after approval. You can choose to receive your payment by direct deposit to a bank account, or Social Security can mail you a check each month.

Your approval letter also explains your trial work period — a time when you can work and earn money without losing your benefits. During this period, which lasts nine months, you can test whether you are able to work. After the trial work period ends, there is an additional period where your benefits gradually reduce as your earnings increase, called the extended period of may be able to access. Social Security will explain both of these in detail in your approval materials.

You will also become covered by Medicare after you have been on disability for two years. This means you get health insurance through the federal government, even if you are not yet 65 years old.

If you are denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to challenge the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file a request for reconsideration. This means Social Security will review your case again, usually with a different examiner.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people hire a disability representative or lawyer at this stage, though you do not have to. If you win at the hearing, you receive back pay going back to when you first filed.

The appeals process can take one to two years or longer, depending on how busy the hearing office is in your area. During this time, you do not receive benefits, but if you eventually win, you get a lump sum payment covering all the months you were denied.

Keeping track of your claim status

Once you have filed, you can check on your claim without calling. Log into your my Social Security account on ssa.gov and look for "Manage Your Benefits" — there you will see the status of your claim and any messages from Social Security asking for more information. If Social Security needs documents from you, they will send you a letter and also post a message in your account.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can still call 1-800-772-1213 and give the representative your Social Security number. They can tell you the status over the phone. Keep the claim number Social Security gives you when you file — this number helps you track your case and speeds up any phone calls.

What to do if Social Security asks for more information

During your case, Social Security may send you a letter asking for specific documents or information. This is normal and does not mean your claim is being denied. Common requests include recent medical records, a statement from your doctor about your work limitations, or clarification about your work history.

Respond to these requests as quickly as you can — Social Security usually gives you 10 days, though you can ask for more time if you need it. If you cannot get the information yourself, call Social Security and ask them to request it from your doctor or former employer. Delays in responding can slow down your decision, so mark the important date on your calendar and follow up if you do not hear back within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can file while you are working, and Social Security will review your case based on your medical condition and your ability to work, not on whether you are currently employed. However, if you are earning more than a certain amount per month (called substantial gainful activity), Social Security may deny your claim based on your earnings.

How much does it cost to file for disability?

Filing for Social Security disability is free. You do not pay Social Security any fee to submit your claim or to have it reviewed. If you hire a representative or lawyer to help with an appeal, they can charge a fee, but only if you win your case.

What if I do not have medical records from a doctor?

Tell Social Security during your initial interview. They can contact hospitals, clinics, or emergency rooms where you received care and request records on your behalf. This takes longer, but it is possible. If you have never seen a doctor about your condition, Social Security may ask you to see one before they make a decision.

Can someone help me file my claim?

Yes. A family member, friend, or representative can help you gather documents and attend appointments. You can also hire a disability representative or lawyer to help with your case. If you use a representative, you will need to sign a form giving them permission to work on your case.

What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?

Tell Social Security when ready. Send them updated medical records showing the change in your condition. You can do this by mail, by uploading documents to your my Social Security account, or by calling. Updated information can help speed up your decision or strengthen your case if you are denied and decide to appeal.