What You Need to File for SSDI
To file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you submit Form SSA-16 (process for Disability Insurance Benefits) to the Social Security Administration. You can file online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The form itself is short — it asks for your name, date of birth, work history, and the date your condition began — but Social Security will request medical records separately after you file.
You do not need to have all your medical documentation ready before you submit the form. Social Security will contact your doctors, hospitals, and clinics directly to request records. However, if you already have recent test results, imaging, or specialist reports, bringing them to your appointment or uploading them to your account can speed up the review.
There is no fee to file. Social Security does not charge for the initial process. If you are later awarded benefits and hire a representative (lawyer or non-lawyer advocate), that representative may charge a fee, but only after you win your case and only with Social Security's approval.
Key Takeaways
- File Form SSA-16 online, by phone, or at your local office; you do not need medical records in hand to start.
- Social Security will request your medical records directly from your doctors after you file, so list all providers you have seen in the past year.
- The initial process takes 3 to 5 months to process; if denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days.
- You can work and earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) while your process is pending without affecting your claim.
- If you are denied, filing an appeal within the important date is more important than gathering new evidence when ready.
Filing Online Through My Social Security
The fastest way to file is through your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need to create an account if you do not have one already. Once logged in, select "explore for Disability" and work through the form section by section. The online form saves your progress, so you can stop and return later without losing what you entered.
The online form asks you to list every job you have held in the past 15 years, the dates you worked, and what you did. It also asks when your condition started and which doctors or hospitals have treated you. Be as complete as possible with provider names and locations — Social Security uses this list to request your records, and incomplete information can delay the process.
After you submit online, you will receive a confirmation number. Social Security will contact you by phone or mail within a few days to schedule a brief follow-up interview. This interview is usually short and covers information you may have left blank or need to clarify.
Filing by Phone or In Person
If you do not have internet access or prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A representative will walk you through the form over the phone. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end, and Social Security will mail you a copy of what you reported.
To file in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator or by calling the main number. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. An employee will complete the form with you and answer questions about your medical history and work.
Filing in person can be useful if you have difficulty reading or writing, or if you want to hand over medical records or other documents directly. However, there is no speed advantage — the office will still request your medical records from your providers after you leave.
What Happens After You File
After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a letter confirming receipt and listing the medical providers you named. Within 1 to 2 weeks, Social Security contacts those providers to request your medical records. This process can take 4 to 8 weeks depending on how quickly doctors respond.
While Social Security is gathering records, a disability examiner is assigned to your case. The examiner reviews your medical evidence against the Social Security Disability Evaluation criteria to determine whether your condition meets or equals a listed impairment. If your condition does not match a listing, the examiner assesses your residual functional capacity — what you can still do physically and mentally — and whether that capacity allows you to work.
You will receive a decision letter in the mail. The letter explains whether you were approved or denied, and if denied, it explains why and tells you how long you have to appeal. Most initial decisions take 3 to 5 months, though cases with complex medical histories or missing records can take longer.
Information You Will Need to Provide
Gather the following before you file, or be ready to provide it during your phone or in-person appointment:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth and current address
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers you have seen in the past year
- Dates you saw each provider and what you were treated for
- Names and dosages of all medications you currently take
- Dates of all jobs you held in the past 15 years, employer names, and a brief description of what you did
- Your highest level of education and any vocational training or licenses
- Your date of birth for your spouse and any dependent children (if you have them)
You do not need to have medical records, test results, or letters from your doctor. Social Security will request these directly. However, if you have recent imaging, lab work, or a specialist's report that clearly describes your condition, you can upload it to your my Social Security account or bring it to your appointment to speed things up.
If Your process Is Denied
If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. This important date is strict — missing it means you lose your right to appeal that decision and must file a new process instead.
When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence that was not available during the first review. Many people use this stage to obtain updated test results, a new specialist evaluation, or a detailed statement from their treating doctor. Social Security will review the case again, usually with a different examiner.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is often where cases are won, because you can testify about how your condition affects your daily life and work, and your doctor can testify on your behalf. The hearing request must also be filed within 60 days of the reconsideration denial.
Working While Your process Is Pending
You can work and earn money while your SSDI process is being reviewed. Social Security allows you to earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024; this amount changes yearly) without it affecting your claim. This is called substantial gainful activity (SGA), and earning below the SGA limit does not count against you.
If you earn more than the SGA limit, Social Security may assume you are able to work and deny your claim. However, you can still win if you show that your earnings do not reflect your actual work capacity — for example, if you work only a few hours a week or if your employer makes accommodations that allow you to work despite your condition.
Keep records of your earnings and hours worked. If your process is approved, Social Security will use your work history to calculate your benefit amount, and having clear records helps may support the calculation is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?
No. You can file on your own without paying anyone. However, if your case is denied and you appeal to a hearing, many people find it helpful to have a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate represent them. You can hire representation at any stage, including after a denial.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Initial decisions usually take 3 to 5 months. Reconsideration takes another 3 to 5 months. A hearing before a judge can take 6 months to over a year, depending on the judge's workload in your area.
What if I do not have a regular doctor?
List any providers you have seen — urgent care clinics, emergency rooms, mental health counselors, or specialists. If you have not seen anyone in the past year, consider scheduling an appointment before you file so you have recent medical evidence. Social Security needs objective medical records to make a decision.
Can I file for my child instead of myself?
If your child has a disability that began before age 22, they may be able to receive Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on your Social Security record if you are retired, disabled, or deceased. This is a different process from filing for your own SSDI. Contact Social Security to learn whether your child may be may be able to access.
What if I move or change doctors during the process process?
Contact Social Security right away with your new address or provider information. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or log into your my Social Security account to update your information. Keeping Social Security informed prevents delays in mailing decisions or contacting your doctors.