What you need to do to submit an SSDI process

You can submit your Social Security Disability Insurance process in three ways: online through the Social Security website, by phone with a representative, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can start and save your work, then come back to finish it. By phone, a representative will walk you through the questions and submit it for you. In person, you bring your documents and someone at the office fills out the form with you.

No matter which method you choose, you will need the same documents ready before you start. The Social Security Administration does not require you to have everything perfect on day one — you can submit what you have and send missing documents later — but having them ready speeds things up.

Key Takeaways

  • You can submit your SSDI process online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition.
  • The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready, and you can save and return to it later.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation letter with your process number — keep this for your records.
  • The decision process typically takes three to five months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence.

Documents to gather before you start

Have these items in front of you before you begin your process: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency status, and your driver's license or state ID. You will also need the names and dates of your medical providers — doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics — and the dates you saw them.

If you have worked in the past five years, gather your W-2 forms or tax returns showing your earnings. If you are self-employed, bring records of your business income. You do not need to submit these documents with your process, but having them available helps you answer questions about your work history accurately.

Medical records are the most important part of your process. You do not need to collect them yourself — Social Security can request them from your doctors — but the process moves faster if you provide them. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every medical provider who has treated your condition.

Submitting your process online

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Disability" link on the homepage. 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, you can start the SSDI process.

The online form asks about your medical condition, when it started, how it affects your ability to work, your work history, and your family information. You can save your progress at any point and log back in to finish later — your answers stay saved for 60 days. If you get stuck on a question, you can skip it and come back, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for help.

When you reach the end, review your answers for accuracy, then submit. You will see a confirmation number on the screen — write this down. Social Security will also email you a confirmation letter within a few days with your process number and what happens next.

Submitting by phone or in person

To submit by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form, in the same order. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer accurately about dates, addresses, and provider names.

To submit in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in during business hours, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment is faster — you will not wait as long. Bring your original documents or certified copies. A representative will review them, ask you questions, and submit your process on the spot.

What happens after you submit

Within 5 to 7 days, Social Security sends you a letter with your process number and a claim number. This letter is important — keep it in a safe place. It proves you submitted your process on a specific date, which matters if your condition worsens before a decision is made.

Social Security then requests your medical records from the providers you listed. This step takes two to four weeks. If a provider is slow to respond, Social Security will follow up, but you can also call your doctor's office and ask them to send the records faster.

Once Social Security has your medical records, a disability examiner reviews your case. They compare your medical evidence against the rules for SSDI to decide whether your condition prevents you from working. This review takes one to three months. You will receive a decision letter in the mail — either an approval, a denial, or a request for more information.

If Social Security asks for more information

Sometimes Social Security needs additional medical evidence before making a decision. They will send you a letter explaining what they need — for example, recent test results, a statement from your doctor about your limitations, or records from a specialist. The letter will give you a important date, usually 10 to 30 days, to send the information.

If you cannot meet the important date, call the number on the letter and ask for more time. Social Security can usually extend the important date by 10 days. Send the information by mail or ask your doctor to send it directly to the address on the letter.

Tracking your process status

You can check the status of your process online through your my Social Security account. Log in and look for "Check process Status" — it will show you whether Social Security is still reviewing your case, waiting for medical records, or ready to send a decision.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give a representative your process number. They can tell you what stage your case is in and whether Social Security is waiting for anything from you. If you submitted documents and want to confirm they arrived, this is a good time to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my process if I do not have all my medical records yet?

Yes. You can submit your process with the information you have, and Social Security will request your medical records directly from your doctors. However, the process moves faster if you provide the records yourself, so ask your providers to send them as soon as possible after you submit.

What if I make a mistake on my process?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your process number and explain the error. A representative can correct it in the system. If you catch the mistake after a decision is made, you can request a new decision based on the corrected information.

How long does it take to get a decision after I submit?

Most decisions take three to five months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical evidence or if your case is complex. You can check your status online or by phone at any time — there is no penalty for asking.

Do I need a lawyer to submit my process?

No. You can submit your process on your own without a lawyer. However, some people find it helpful to have a lawyer or advocate review their process before submitting, especially if their case is complicated or they have been denied before.

What if I am denied — can I resubmit?

Yes, but you have options. You can request a reconsideration, which means a different examiner reviews your case. You can also request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Both of these are free. The reconsideration process takes two to three months, and a hearing can take several months longer.