You can file for SSDI or SSI entirely online through Social Security's website, starting with a basic report that takes 15 to 20 minutes
The online filing process begins at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You create a my Social Security account (or log in if you have one), answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and submit. Social Security then assigns your case to a local field office, which contacts you within 5 to 7 business days to schedule a detailed phone interview. You do not need to visit an office in person to start.
The initial online report is not the full process. It is a preliminary statement that tells Social Security you want to file and gives them basic facts about your situation. The real process — the one that determines whether you receive benefits — happens during the phone interview and through documents you send afterward. Most people file online because it is faster than calling 1-800-772-1213 and waiting on hold, and because you can do it at any time of day.
Key Takeaways
- File at ssa.gov/applyfordisability using a my Social Security account; the online report takes 15 to 20 minutes and starts your case.
- Social Security will call you within 5 to 7 business days to schedule a phone interview where you provide detailed medical and work history.
- Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and work history ready before you start the online report.
- The online report does not decide your case; Social Security uses it to open your file and schedule the interview that leads to a decision.
- If you cannot complete the online report, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to file by phone or in person.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents and information before you log in to ssa.gov. You will not need to upload them during the online report, but Social Security will ask for them during your phone interview, and having them ready speeds up that call.
Proof of identity and citizenship: Your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Social Security already has your Social Security number on file, but they will confirm your identity during the phone interview.
Medical information: The names and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Include dates you saw them. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge summaries, keep those nearby — you may need to mail or fax them later.
Work history: A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, have your tax returns ready.
Medications: A list of all medications you currently take, including the name and dose. Social Security asks this during the interview.
Step-by-step: completing the online report
Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and select "explore for Disability." If you do not have a my Social Security account, you will create one using your email address and a password. If you already have an account, log in.
The online form asks you to report your name, date of birth, contact information, and Social Security number. It then asks when your condition began and whether you have worked in the past 15 years. Answer honestly and as completely as you can. If you are not sure of an exact date, give your best estimate — Social Security will clarify during the phone interview.
The form asks you to describe your medical condition in your own words. You do not need medical language; write what is wrong and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. For example: "I have severe back pain from a herniated disc. I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without pain, and I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds."
When you reach the end, review your answers. If something is wrong, go back and correct it. Then submit. You will see a confirmation message with a case number. Write this number down — you will use it when Social Security calls you.
What happens after you submit
Social Security receives your report electronically and opens a file. Within 5 to 7 business days, a disability examiner at your local field office will call you to schedule a detailed phone interview. The call may come during business hours on a weekday. If you miss it, they will leave a message with a number to call back.
During the phone interview, a Social Security representative will ask you to go through your medical history in detail, describe your symptoms, explain how your condition affects your ability to work, and provide the names and contact information for your doctors. This interview usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your medical records and work history in front of you.
After the interview, Social Security will contact your doctors and request your medical records. This can take several weeks. You can speed this up by calling your doctors yourself, asking them to send records to Social Security, and giving Social Security the fax numbers or addresses where you sent them.
Timeline from online filing to decision
The time from submission to a decision varies widely depending on how complex your case is, how quickly your doctors respond, and how busy your local field office is. Most initial decisions come within 3 to 6 months, though some take longer.
After Social Security receives all your medical records, a disability examiner reviews them and decides whether your condition meets the criteria for benefits. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining the decision. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.
If you cannot file online
The online report requires a my Social Security account, which requires an email address and internet access. If you do not have these, you can file by phone or in person.
To file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit your report for you.
To file in person, visit your local Social Security office. Find the address at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and medical records if you have them. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times is a good idea.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not wait to file until you have all your medical records. Social Security will request them after your phone interview. Filing now and gathering records later is faster than trying to collect everything first.
Do not exaggerate your symptoms or invent new ones. Social Security compares what you say to what your doctors have documented. If your medical records do not support what you reported, your case is more likely to be denied. Stick to what is actually true.
Do not miss your phone interview. If Social Security calls and you cannot talk, tell them you need to reschedule. If you miss the call and do not return it within a few days, Social Security may close your case. If that happens, you can file again, but it delays your decision.
Do not assume Social Security has your current address or phone number. Update both in your my Social Security account before you file. If Social Security cannot reach you, they cannot move your case forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file online if I do not have a computer or internet?
No, the online report requires internet access and a my Social Security account. You can file by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office instead. Both routes take longer because of wait times, but they work just as well.
Do I need to send medical records when I file online?
No. The online report is just the start. Social Security will ask for your doctors' contact information during your phone interview, then request records directly from them. You can speed this up by calling your doctors and asking them to send records to Social Security.
What if I make a mistake on the online report?
You can correct it during your phone interview. Tell the Social Security representative what you want to change, and they will update your file. Do not file again — that creates a second case and delays everything.
How do I know if my case was received?
After you submit the online report, you will see a confirmation page with a case number. Write it down. When Social Security calls to schedule your interview, they will reference this number. You can also log into your my Social Security account and check the status of your process.
Can someone else file for me?
A representative payee or legal guardian can file on your behalf, but they will need access to your Social Security number and personal information. If you are unable to file yourself, call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation; Social Security can walk you through options.