What You Need to Do to File for SSDI
You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) by submitting a claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA has three ways to file: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people file online because it takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your work and return to it later. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records showing your condition and treatment dates.
The filing process itself is not the same as the decision process. Filing means you submit the claim form. The SSA then reviews your medical evidence, work history, and age to decide whether you meet their definition of disability. That review takes three to five months on average, though some cases take longer. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved, denied, or need to provide more information.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office, and online filing is usually fastest because you control your own pace.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records from your doctors showing your diagnosis and treatment history.
- The SSA takes three to five months to review your claim and send you a decision letter in the mail.
- If you are denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter, which starts a second review with a different examiner.
Documents You Must Have Before You File
Gather these documents before you start your claim. You need your Social Security number (on your card or a tax return), your birth certificate or passport, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or green card). You also need your driver's license or state ID.
The SSA will ask for medical records next. Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or clinic that has treated you for your condition. Include dates you saw them and what they treated you for. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, have those ready. The SSA will request the full records from your providers, but having this list prepared speeds up the process.
You will also need your work history for the past 15 years. Write down the names of employers, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, note the years and what business you ran. The SSA uses this to calculate how much you paid into Social Security and whether you have enough work credits to may have access to.
Filing Online at ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" in the main menu. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. This requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. Once you are logged in, select "explore for Disability Benefits" and choose SSDI (not SSI, which is a different program for people with very low income).
The online form asks for your personal information, medical history, work history, and contact details. You can save your progress and log back in to finish later — the form does not expire. When you submit it, you will get a confirmation number. Write this down. The SSA will mail you a receipt within two weeks. Keep both the confirmation number and the receipt.
After you file online, the SSA may ask you to send in documents by mail or upload them through your my Social Security account. Check your account regularly and respond to any requests within the important date they give you, usually 10 days. Missing a important date can slow down your case.
Filing by Phone or at a Local Office
If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your documents ready before you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will take about 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number and a receipt in the mail.
To file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the main number above and ask for the address. Bring your original documents (Social Security card, birth certificate, ID, and medical records list). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times can be long. Call ahead to ask about current wait times. An appointment system is available in some areas — ask when you call.
What Happens After You File
Once the SSA receives your claim, a disability examiner is assigned to your case. The examiner requests your medical records from all the doctors and providers you listed. This takes two to four weeks. While you wait, the SSA may contact you by phone or mail if they need clarification on your work history or medical condition. Answer these requests promptly.
The examiner reviews your medical records to see whether your condition meets or equals one of the SSA's listed impairments, or whether it is severe enough that you cannot work. If your condition is not on the list, the examiner looks at your age, education, and work history to decide whether you could do any other type of work. This entire review takes three to five months from the date you filed.
You will receive a decision letter in the mail. The letter states whether you were approved, denied, or whether the SSA needs more medical evidence. If you were approved, the letter tells you when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.
What to Do If You Are Denied
If the SSA denies your claim, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This is a second review by a different examiner who looks at your case from the start. You can submit new medical records or additional information about why you cannot work. Mail your request to the address on the denial letter or file it online through your my Social Security account.
Reconsideration takes another three to five months. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. You have 60 days from the second denial letter to request a hearing. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage because the hearing process is more complex.
You can work with a disability representative or attorney at any stage, but they become most useful after a denial. Representatives charge a fee only if you win your case, and the fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you filed to the date you were approved). You do not pay anything upfront.
Timeline From Filing to First Decision
| Stage | What Happens | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Filing | You submit your claim online, by phone, or in person | Same day or within 1 week |
| Receipt | SSA mails you a receipt with your claim number | Within 2 weeks |
| Records Request | Examiner requests medical records from your providers | 2 to 4 weeks after filing |
| Review | Examiner reviews all evidence and makes a decision | 3 to 5 months total from filing |
| Decision Letter | SSA mails you approval, denial, or request for more evidence | Within 1 week of decision |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?
Yes. You can file while working, and the SSA will review your claim based on your medical condition, not your current income. However, if you are approved, your benefits may not start until you stop working or your earnings fall below the substantial gainful activity limit (which changes each year). Tell the SSA about your work when you file so they can explain how it affects your timeline.
What if I do not have all my medical records when I file?
File anyway. You do not need to have your medical records in hand before you submit your claim. The SSA will request them directly from your doctors and providers using the information you provide. However, the sooner you give the SSA a complete list of providers, the faster they can gather the records and make a decision.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
No. You can file on your own without a lawyer or representative. Many people file without one and are approved. A representative or lawyer becomes more useful if you are denied and need to request reconsideration or a hearing. You can hire one at that point without paying anything upfront.
What if the SSA asks for more information after I file?
Respond within the important date on the letter or notice — usually 10 days. If you miss the important date, your case may be delayed or closed. If you cannot meet the important date, call the SSA and ask for an extension. Keep copies of everything you send.
When do SSDI benefits start if I am approved?
SSDI benefits typically start the month after you have been disabled for 12 months. If you were disabled longer ago, benefits may start earlier. The SSA will explain the start date in your approval letter. You will receive your first payment about two weeks after your benefits begin.