What Disability Allowance Is and Who Files the Claim
Disability Allowance is a payment made by Social Security to people who have a medical condition that prevents them from working. You file the claim yourself—either online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Social Security does not file it for you, and you do not need a lawyer to start, though you can hire one later if your claim is denied.
The person with the disability must be the one to initiate the claim, or a parent or legal guardian can file on behalf of a minor or someone unable to manage their own affairs. You cannot claim on someone else's behalf without legal authority to do so.
Filing a claim is different from being found disabled. Filing is the first step—you submit your medical records and work history. Finding you disabled is what Social Security does after they review everything, which takes months.
Key Takeaways
- You file a disability claim with Social Security either online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records from your doctors, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
- The claim process takes three to six months on average, and Social Security will contact you if they need more information or want to schedule a medical exam.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of the denial letter, and most people who appeal go through multiple rounds before a decision is final.
- You can work with a disability representative or lawyer during the process, but you do not need one to file your initial claim.
Filing Your Claim Online, by Phone, or In Person
The fastest way to file is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You create an account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and upload documents. The form takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready. Social Security sends you a confirmation number, and you can check the status of your claim online anytime after that.
If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and may ask you to mail or upload documents afterward. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week.
You can also walk into your local Social Security office and file in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your documents with you, and a representative will help you complete the form on the spot. In-person filing is useful if you are uncomfortable with computers or need help understanding the questions, but you may wait several hours.
Documents You Need Before You File
Gather these documents before you start your claim, whether you file online, by phone, or in person. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance Social Security will ask you to resubmit later.
| Document Type | What Social Security Needs |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Birth certificate, passport, or driver's license |
| Social Security number | Your own Social Security card or a document showing your number |
| Medical records | Doctor's names, phone numbers, and dates of visits; hospital or clinic names; names of medications and dosages |
| Work history | Dates you worked at each job in the past 15 years, job titles, and the type of work you did |
| Lab or test results | Copies of X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests, or other medical tests related to your condition |
You do not need to have all your medical records in hand before you file. Social Security can request them from your doctors after you submit your claim. However, if you already have copies, uploading them with your process can speed things up.
What Happens After You File
After you submit your claim, Social Security sends you a confirmation letter with a claim number. Keep this number—you will use it to check your claim status online or when you call. You can log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see where your claim stands.
Social Security then requests your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This step usually takes two to four weeks. If your doctors do not respond quickly, Social Security may contact you and ask you to get the records yourself and send them in.
A Social Security employee called a claims examiner reviews your medical records, work history, and the information you provided on your form. If the examiner needs more information—for example, details about a surgery or a gap in your medical treatment—they will call or mail you a request. You typically have 10 days to respond.
Some claims go to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state, which is a separate agency that works with Social Security. The DDS office may schedule you for a medical exam paid for by Social Security. This exam is not a second opinion on your doctor's work—it is a way for Social Security to get current information about your condition.
Timeline From Filing to Decision
Most initial disability claims take three to six months from the date you file to the date Social Security makes a decision. Some take longer if your medical records are hard to get or if Social Security needs to schedule an exam. A few take less than three months if your condition is severe and the medical evidence is clear.
Social Security will mail you a decision letter. The letter says whether you were found disabled, when your benefits begin (if approved), and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.
Do not expect a phone call. Social Security mails decisions, even if you filed online or by phone. Check your mail regularly, or log into your my Social Security account to see if a decision has been posted there.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If Social Security denies your claim, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. This important date is strict—if you miss it, you have to start over with a new claim.
The first level of appeal is called reconsideration. You submit new medical evidence or explain why you disagree with the decision. A different examiner reviews your case. Reconsideration takes two to three months.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and answer questions. Many people who were denied twice win at the hearing stage. The wait for a hearing can be six months to over a year, depending on your area.
You can represent yourself at a hearing, but many people hire a disability lawyer or representative at this stage. A representative can charge a fee only if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when you became disabled to when benefits started).
Working With a Representative or Lawyer
You do not need a lawyer to file your initial claim or to appeal. Many people handle the process on their own. However, a disability representative or lawyer can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and navigate the appeals process.
Social Security maintains a list of approved representatives at ssa.gov/representation. You can search by name or location. Representatives include lawyers, non-lawyer advocates, and organizations that work with people with disabilities.
A representative can charge a fee only if you win your case. The fee is limited to 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200 (this cap may change yearly). You pay nothing upfront. If you lose, you owe nothing.
Before you hire someone, ask what they will do, how much they will charge, and whether they have handled cases like yours before. Get the agreement in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a disability claim while I am still working?
Yes. You can file while working, and Social Security will review your claim based on your medical condition and your work history. However, if you are earning more than a certain amount per month (the limit changes yearly), Social Security may find that you are not disabled because you are able to work. The exact amount depends on your state and the year you file.
What if I do not have all my medical records when I file?
You do not need to have them. Social Security can request records from your doctors after you file. However, if you have copies already, uploading them speeds up the review. If your doctors do not respond to Social Security's requests, you may be asked to get the records yourself and send them in.
How much will I receive each month if my claim is approved?
The amount depends on your work history and how much you paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. Social Security calculates your benefit based on your average earnings over your working years. The approval letter will tell you the exact amount. You can also estimate your benefit before you file by creating an account at ssa.gov.
Can I file a disability claim for someone else?
Only if you are a parent or legal guardian filing for a minor or someone unable to manage their own affairs. You will need to prove your legal authority. If you are not a legal guardian, the person with the disability must file their own claim or authorize you in writing to file on their behalf.
What happens if I disagree with the medical exam Social Security scheduled?
You can attend the exam and tell the doctor if you disagree with their findings. You can also submit your own medical records or a letter from your personal doctor explaining why you disagree. Social Security will consider all the evidence, not just the exam. If you still disagree after a decision is made, you can appeal.