You sign up through Social Security, not through a separate disability program
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both run by the Social Security Administration. There is no separate disability office or website—you go directly to Social Security to start the process. The place you sign up depends on whether you want to do it in person, by phone, or online, and whether you already have a Social Security account.
Most people now start online because it is faster and you can save your work and come back to it. But Social Security also takes applications by phone and in person at local offices if that works better for you. The process itself is the same no matter which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- You can start a disability claim online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- If you already have a my Social Security account, you can start your claim online and save it to finish later.
- The online process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete, though you will need medical records and work history information ready.
- Social Security will contact you after you submit to ask follow-up questions and request documents—you do not need to gather everything before you start.
- The same process covers both SSDI (if you worked) and SSI (if you have low income and few assets), so you do not choose between them.
Starting your claim online at ssa.gov
The fastest way to start is the online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You do not need a my Social Security account to begin, but having one makes the process smoother because Social Security can save your answers and you can check the status of your claim later.
If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one during the process or before you start. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security). Once your account is set up, you can start the disability process and come back to it as many times as you need.
The online form asks for basic information: your name, address, work history, and the date your condition began. You will also answer questions about your medical treatment and doctors. Social Security does not ask you to upload documents at this stage—you submit the process first, and Social Security contacts you later to request specific records.
explore by phone at 1-800-772-1213
If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call Social Security's main number: 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. When you call, tell the representative you want to start a disability claim, and they will walk you through the questions on the process.
Phone applications take longer than online ones—usually 30 to 45 minutes—because the representative reads each question and writes down your answers. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and work history ready before you call. If you do not have all the details about your medical treatment or doctors, the representative can note that and Social Security will follow up with you later.
Wait times can be long, especially early in the week. Social Security recommends calling mid-morning or mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday for shorter hold times.
explore in person at a local Social Security office
You can also walk into your local Social Security office and start an process there. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. The locator shows you the address, phone number, and hours for each office.
In-person applications work best if you have questions about what information Social Security needs or if you have trouble using the phone or online system. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport, and any documents about your medical condition and work history. You do not need to bring everything—Social Security can request documents later—but having some records with you speeds up the process.
Many offices now ask you to make an appointment rather than walk in without one. Call ahead or check the office locator to see whether appointments are required in your area.
What happens after you submit your process
After you submit your process—whether online, by phone, or in person—Social Security sends you a confirmation letter with a case number. Keep this number; you will use it to check your claim status and when you contact Social Security with questions.
Within a few days, a Social Security representative will contact you by phone to ask follow-up questions. They may ask for clarification about your work history, your medical condition, or the doctors and hospitals you have visited. This is also when they request specific documents: medical records, test results, pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of your income and assets.
You do not need to have all these documents ready before you start the process. Social Security will tell you exactly what they need and give you a important date to send it in—usually 10 to 14 days. You can mail documents, fax them, or upload them through your my Social Security account if you have one.
Choosing between online, phone, and in-person
| Method | Time to Complete | Best For | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability | 15–20 minutes | People comfortable with forms and able to return later if needed | Email address, internet access, Social Security number |
| Phone: 1-800-772-1213 | 30–45 minutes | People who prefer talking to someone or have questions during the process | Phone, Social Security number, work history details |
| In person at local office | 30–60 minutes | People with documents to show or who need help understanding what to bring | ID, Social Security number, appointment (in many offices) |
The process itself is identical across all three methods. Social Security will ask the same questions and request the same documents no matter which route you choose. Pick the one that fits your schedule and comfort level.
What you should have ready before you start
You do not need to gather everything before you begin, but having certain information nearby makes the process faster. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and the names and addresses of your doctors and hospitals ready. If you know the dates you received treatment or had tests, write those down too.
You will also need information about your work history: the names of employers, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, have records of your income for the past year or two. If you receive other benefits—unemployment, workers' compensation, or retirement benefits—have those details available as well.
If you have a my Social Security account, log in before you start the online process. This way Social Security already has some of your information on file and can pre-fill parts of the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start an process if I do not have a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can start the online process without an account, and Social Security will guide you through creating one if you want to. You can also call or go in person without any account. Having an account is helpful because it lets you check your claim status and upload documents later, but it is not required to start.
What if I do not remember all my doctors or the exact dates I saw them?
Start the process with the information you do have. Social Security will contact you and ask you to provide more details or medical records. You can also contact your doctors' offices directly and ask them to send your records to Social Security—the office staff can often help you figure out which records are most important.
How long does it take to hear back after I submit my process?
Social Security usually contacts you within a few days to ask follow-up questions and request documents. The full decision on your claim takes several weeks to several months, depending on how quickly you send in the records they need and how complex your case is.
Can I start an process for someone else, like a family member?
You can help someone fill out the process, but the person explore must be the one to sign it. If someone cannot do this themselves due to age or disability, a legal representative or court-appointed guardian can start the process on their behalf.
What if I started an process online but did not finish it?
If you have a my Social Security account, you can log back in and pick up where you left off. If you do not have an account, you will need to start over. Social Security saves online applications for a limited time, so finish within a few days if possible.