Where to Start Your process in Illinois

To explore for disability benefits in Illinois, you work with the Social Security Administration (SSA), not the state. Illinois does not run its own disability program — the SSA administers both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from federal offices. You can start an process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is the fastest route if you have a computer and can upload documents. You can save your progress and return to it later. The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Before you contact SSA, gather the documents listed in the next section. Having them ready speeds up the process whether you explore online, by phone, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration handles disability applications in Illinois — not a state agency — and you can start online, by phone, or at a local office.
  • You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records from your doctors, and a list of your work history for the past 15 years.
  • The SSA takes 3 to 6 months to make an initial decision, and most first applications are denied; you can request reconsideration or a hearing if yours is.
  • If you are under 22 and disabled, you may be able to work part-time while receiving benefits under a work incentive program called Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start your process. The SSA will ask for them whether you explore online or by phone, and having them ready prevents delays.

Identity and citizenship documents: Your birth certificate (original or certified copy), Social Security card, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. If you were born outside the U.S., bring a passport, green card, or work authorization document. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can request one from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's Vital Records office.

Medical records: Names and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition in the past three years. Include dates of visits if you have them. The SSA will contact these providers directly to request your medical records, so you do not need to collect them yourself — but having the contact information ready speeds this up.

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, include the dates and type of business.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you submit your process, the SSA sends it to the Illinois Disability information Services (DDS) office in Springfield. This office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets SSA's definition of disability. You will not hear from DDS directly — SSA handles all communication with you.

The review takes 3 to 6 months on average. During this time, the DDS office requests your medical records from your doctors and may schedule you for a consultative exam (a medical appointment paid for by SSA) if your records are incomplete. You will receive a letter in the mail when SSA makes a decision.

If SSA approves your process, the letter will tell you your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. If SSA denies your process, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.

The Difference Between SSDI and SSI in Illinois

Both programs are run by the SSA, but they have different rules about who can receive them. SSDI is based on your work history — you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. SSI is based on financial need — you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

In Illinois, SSI recipients also receive Medicaid automatically. SSDI recipients must have worked long enough to be insured, but they may be able to get Medicare after receiving SSDI for two years. If you are not sure which program you might be may be able to access for, the SSA will review both when you explore.

The monthly payment amounts differ. SSDI payments are based on your past earnings; SSI payments are set by federal law and adjusted each year. In 2024, the maximum federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but Illinois adds a state supplement that varies based on your living situation.

If Your process Is Denied

Most first applications are denied. If yours is, you have the right to request reconsideration or appeal to a judge. You must request reconsideration or file an appeal within 60 days of the denial letter, though SSA may extend this important date if you have good reason.

Reconsideration means a different SSA examiner reviews your case from the start. This takes another 3 to 6 months. A hearing before an administrative law judge is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony. Hearings usually happen 6 to 12 months after you request one, depending on the judge's schedule in your area.

You do not need a lawyer to request reconsideration or file for a hearing, but many people find it helpful. If you hire a lawyer or representative, they can charge a fee only if you win your case, and SSA must approve the fee amount.

Work Incentives and Part-Time Work While Receiving Benefits

If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you may be able to work part-time and still receive some or all of your benefits. The SSA has programs called work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing your benefits when ready.

Under the Trial Work Period, you can earn any amount for nine months without affecting your SSDI benefits. After the trial work period ends, SSA counts your earnings to see if you still meet the definition of disability. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit — $1,550 per month in 2024 — SSA may stop your benefits, but you can request another trial work period later.

SSI has different rules. You can earn up to $65 per month plus half of earnings above that without losing your SSI payment. If you want to work more, ask SSA about Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), which lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without affecting your benefits.

Getting Help With Your process

If you need help understanding the process process or gathering documents, you can contact SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. SSA staff can answer questions about what documents you need and what to expect.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, SSA can provide an interpreter at your local office or over the phone.

You can also contact a Benefits Planning, information and Outreach (BPAO) organization in Illinois. These are nonprofit groups that offer free help understanding how work affects your benefits and planning for employment. To find a BPAO near you, call SSA or visit ssa.gov/work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can explore while working, and SSA will review whether your condition prevents you from doing substantial work. If you are earning more than the SGA limit ($1,550 per month in 2024), SSA will likely deny your process, but you can reapply if your earnings drop or your condition worsens.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

The Illinois DDS office takes 3 to 6 months to review your process and make a decision. You will receive a letter in the mail with the decision. If you are denied and request a hearing, the wait for a hearing is usually 6 to 12 months.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect them yourself. Provide the SSA with the names and phone numbers of your doctors and hospitals, and SSA will request your records directly. If your records are incomplete, SSA may schedule a free medical exam to fill in gaps.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. A lawyer or representative is most useful if your process is denied and you are preparing for a hearing, since the hearing process is more formal. If you hire someone, they can only charge a fee if you win.

What happens to my Medicaid if I am approved for SSDI?

If you receive SSDI, you do not automatically get Medicaid — it depends on your state and income. In Illinois, you may be able to get Medicaid through a separate program. If you receive SSI, you get Medicaid automatically. Ask SSA about Medicaid when you receive your approval letter.