The two ways to start a disability claim in Florida

You can start a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim in Florida through the Social Security Administration in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online method is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up. By phone, a representative will walk you through the questions and can answer them as you go. In person, you can bring documents with you and ask questions face-to-face, though wait times at offices vary.

Florida does not have a separate state disability program—all claims go through Social Security, the federal agency. The process and timeline are the same whether you live in Miami, Jacksonville, or the Panhandle.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your claim online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office, and the method you choose does not affect how long the decision takes.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records from your doctors, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • The initial decision usually arrives within three to five months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information.
  • If you are denied, you can file a reconsideration request within 60 days of the denial letter, which is a separate review by a different examiner.

Starting your claim online at ssa.gov

The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. Go to ssa.gov, select "explore for Disability," and create or sign into your my Social Security account. You will answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and living situation. At the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it, then submit.

After you submit online, Social Security sends you a confirmation number and a notice in the mail within a few days. Keep the confirmation number—you will need it if you call to check on your claim. You do not need to do anything else at this point. Social Security will contact you if they need more information.

explore by phone or at a local office

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your jobs ready. The call usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The representative will mail you a form to sign and return, or in some cases you can sign it electronically. Once Social Security receives your signed form, your claim is officially filed.

To explore in person, find your nearest Social Security office by searching "Social Security office near me" or visiting ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait an hour or more. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is faster. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or state ID), and medical records if you have them with you.

Documents you need before you start

Social Security will ask for certain documents no matter which method you use. Have these ready: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization certificate, green card, or state driver's license), and your most recent tax return or W-2 forms showing your work history.

You will also need medical records. Gather the names and phone numbers of all doctors, therapists, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for the condition that keeps you from working. Include dates of visits if you have them. Social Security will contact these providers directly to request your records, so you do not have to collect them yourself—but having the contact information speeds up the process. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or surgery records, those help too.

Finally, make a list of every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, dates you worked there, and what you did. If you are self-employed, include the type of business and your net income for each year.

What happens after you submit your claim

After you file, Social Security assigns your claim a number and sends you a notice in the mail. This notice includes your claim number and the phone number to call if you have questions. Social Security then requests your medical records from the doctors and providers you listed. This step usually takes two to four weeks.

Once Social Security has your records, a disability examiner reviews them to decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This review takes another two to four weeks in most cases. If the examiner needs more information—such as a recent test or a statement from your doctor—they will contact you or your doctor to ask for it. This can add time to the decision.

The total time from filing to a decision is usually three to five months. Some cases take longer if your medical records are incomplete, if you have a complex condition, or if Social Security needs you to have a consultative exam (a medical exam Social Security pays for to fill gaps in your records).

Understanding the decision letter

Social Security mails you a decision letter that says either "approved," "denied," or "approved for a different program than you requested." Read the letter carefully. If you are approved, it tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the letter to file a reconsideration request. This is a free second review by a different examiner who looks at your case from the start. You can submit new medical records with your reconsideration request, which often helps. To file a reconsideration, call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office, or go online to ssa.gov.

Tracking your claim status

You can check on your claim without calling. Sign into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and select "Check your claim status." The page shows you where your case is in the process—whether Social Security is still gathering records, whether a decision has been made, or whether they are waiting for information from you.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one in about five minutes using your email, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity (usually a cell phone or email code). Once you have an account, you can check your status anytime, day or night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my claim is being decided?

Yes. Working does not hurt your claim, and you can earn money while Social Security reviews your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. The amount changes each year. Keep track of your earnings and report them honestly if Social Security asks.

Do I need a lawyer to file my claim?

No. You can file on your own without paying anyone. Many people are approved without a lawyer. If you are denied and file a reconsideration or appeal, a lawyer can help, but you do not need one to start your initial claim.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect them yourself. Give Social Security the names and phone numbers of your doctors, and they will request the records for you. If you have gaps in your care, Social Security may schedule a consultative exam—a free medical exam they pay for—to get the information they need.

How long does it take to get my first payment after approval?

Your first payment usually arrives within one to two months after Social Security approves your claim. The exact timing depends on when your benefits start and which payment method you choose (direct deposit is fastest). Social Security will tell you the payment date in your approval letter.

Can I file a claim for my child or a family member?

Yes, but the person must be at least 18 years old to file their own claim, or you must have legal authority to file on their behalf. If your child is under 18 and disabled, you can file a claim for them as their parent or guardian. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about filing for someone else.