The first step: deciding which program fits your situation

Before you contact Social Security, you need to know which program you are actually explore for. There are two separate disability programs run by Social Security, and they have different rules about who can receive benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with very low income and resources, regardless of work history. Some people are old enough to receive retirement benefits instead. The program you use depends on your age, your work history, and how much money and property you own.

If you are not sure which one applies to you, Social Security's website has a tool that asks a few questions and tells you which program to look into. You can also call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask which program matches your situation. They will not make a decision on the phone, but they can point you toward the right one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start the process online through Social Security's website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • You will need to provide medical records, work history, and proof of identity — gather these before you begin so the process moves faster.
  • The initial decision usually takes three to five months, but you can continue working and earning while you wait.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with help from a representative win on the second or third try.
  • You do not have to pay anything upfront; if you win, a representative can take a fee only from your back pay, capped at 25 percent.

Where to start: three ways to begin

You have three options for starting the process. The fastest and most convenient for most people is to begin online at ssa.gov. Go to the homepage, look for "explore for Disability," and follow the form. You can save your progress and come back to it, so you do not have to finish in one sitting. The online form asks for the same information Social Security needs, and you can upload documents directly.

If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays. A representative will ask you questions over the phone and can mail you forms to sign and return. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week, so calling on a Thursday or Friday afternoon may be faster.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office in person. Find the address on ssa.gov or call the main number above. Bring the documents listed in the next section so you do not have to make a second trip. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to make an appointment first. Calling ahead saves time.

What documents and information you need to gather

Social Security will ask for proof of who you are, proof of your age, and proof of your citizenship or legal residency. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, a driver's license, or a state ID card. If you were born outside the United States, bring your green card or visa. If you do not have these documents, Social Security can tell you how to get them, but it will delay your case.

You will also need your Social Security number, which is on your Social Security card. If you have lost it, you can request a replacement card at the same time you start your disability claim.

Social Security needs to know about your medical conditions and the treatment you have received. Gather the names and phone numbers of every doctor, mental health provider, hospital, or clinic that has treated you in the past year. Write down the dates you saw them and what you were treated for. If you have recent medical records at home — test results, discharge summaries, letters from doctors — bring copies. You do not have to provide everything upfront; Social Security can request records directly from your providers, but it moves faster if you provide them yourself.

Finally, have your work history ready. Write down every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked, the name of the employer, and what you did. If you are explore for SSDI, Social Security will check your earnings record against what you reported, so be as accurate as you can.

What happens after you submit your claim

Once you submit your claim online, by phone, or in person, Social Security sends you a notice with a claim number. Keep this number — you will use it to check the status of your case. You can check online at ssa.gov by signing into your "my Social Security" account, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your claim number.

Social Security will review your medical records and may request additional information from your doctors. If they need something from you, they will mail you a letter asking for it. Respond within the important date they give you, usually 10 days. If you miss the important date, your claim can be denied, so mark the date on a calendar.

The initial decision usually takes three to five months. During this time, you can continue to work and earn money. There is no limit on how much you can earn while your claim is pending. If you are approved, your benefits will start the month after you become disabled, not the month you applied.

Understanding the decision letter

When Social Security makes a decision, they mail you a letter explaining it. If you are approved, the letter tells you how much your monthly benefit will be and when payments start. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

Most first claims are denied. This does not mean you are ineligible — it usually means Social Security needs more medical evidence or believes your condition is not severe enough based on the records they have. You have the right to appeal, and you have 60 days from the date on the letter to do so. If you wait longer than 60 days, you lose the right to appeal that decision.

The appeal process has several stages. The first is called "reconsideration," where a different Social Security examiner reviews your case and the new medical evidence you provide. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Most people who reach a hearing with medical evidence and representation win. You do not have to handle appeals alone — a disability representative or lawyer can help you at any stage.

What representation costs and how to find a representative

You can represent yourself throughout the entire process, but most people who win on appeal have help from a representative. A representative can be a disability lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate certified by Social Security. They know what evidence Social Security needs and how to present your case in the strongest way.

You do not pay anything upfront. Representatives work on what is called a "contingency fee" — they only get paid if you win. If you are approved, the representative can take a fee from your back pay (the money owed to you from the month you became disabled to the month you are approved). The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. You pay nothing out of your own pocket.

To find a representative, visit the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) website or search Social Security's official list of representatives at ssa.gov. You can also ask a local legal aid office or disability advocacy group for a referral. Interview a few representatives before you choose one — ask how long they have been doing this work, how many cases they have handled, and what their success rate is.

What you can do while you wait

While your claim is pending, continue to see your doctors and follow their treatment recommendations. Social Security looks at whether you are receiving ongoing medical care and following the treatment plan your doctors suggest. If you stop going to appointments or stop taking prescribed medication, it can hurt your case.

Keep records of how your condition affects your daily life. Write down the days you cannot work, the activities you cannot do, and any side effects from medication. These notes can be useful if you need to appeal. You can also ask your doctors to write a statement describing your condition and how it limits your ability to work. This letter from a treating doctor carries significant weight in Social Security's decision.

Do not post on social media about activities that contradict your disability claim. Social Security investigators sometimes review social media, and a photo of you doing something you said you cannot do can be used against you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my disability claim is pending?

Yes. There is no limit on how much you can earn while waiting for a decision. Your earnings do not affect whether you are approved. However, if you are approved for SSDI, your future benefits may be reduced if you earn above a certain amount, so understand the rules before you return to full-time work.

What if I cannot afford to wait three to five months for a decision?

You can request expedited processing if you are in financial hardship, but Social Security rarely grants it. Instead, look into whether you may have access to for emergency information programs in your state, such as emergency food stamps or utility information. A local social services office can tell you what is available.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own and handle the entire process without representation. However, representation is most helpful if your claim is denied and you need to appeal. Most people who win on appeal have a representative.

What happens if I move while my claim is pending?

Tell Social Security your new address right away. You can update it online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. If Social Security cannot reach you, they may deny your claim for failure to respond.

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you have a work history but low income, you may may have access to for both programs. Social Security will evaluate you for both and tell you which one you may have access to for, or whether you may have access to for both. The combined benefit is usually higher than one program alone.