Where to Begin Your Online process
You can start a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) process on the Social Security Administration's website at ssa.gov. The online form is called iClaim, and it walks you through the questions in order. You do not need to complete it all at once — you can save your progress and return later using the same username and password.
Before you open iClaim, gather the documents you will need nearby: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records from your doctors, a list of medications you take, work history for the past 15 years, and tax returns or pay stubs if you worked recently. Having these ready means you will not have to stop and search for them mid-process.
The online process takes most people 20 to 30 minutes to complete if they have their documents ready. If you get stuck or need to step away, your answers are saved automatically. You will receive a confirmation number when you finish, and the Social Security Administration will send you a letter with your case number within two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You start your SSDI or SSI process on ssa.gov using the iClaim system, which you can save and return to at any time.
- Gather your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, medication list, work history, and recent tax documents before you begin.
- The online form takes 20 to 30 minutes if your documents are ready, and your answers save automatically as you go.
- After you submit, the Social Security Administration sends you a confirmation number when ready and a case number letter within two weeks.
- You can also explore in person at your local Social Security office or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 if you prefer not to use the online form.
Creating Your My Social Security Account
To use iClaim, you need a My Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" in the upper right corner. You will enter your email address, create a username and password, and answer security questions. The Social Security Administration will send you a verification link to your email — click it to confirm your account is real.
If you already have a My Social Security account because you checked your earnings record or viewed your Social Security statement online, you can log in with that same username and password. You do not need to create a new one.
After your account is verified, you can log in and select "explore for benefits" from the menu. The system will ask you whether you are explore for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Select "Disability benefits" and choose whether you are explore for SSDI (based on your own work record) or SSI (based on financial need). If you are unsure which one you may have access to for, the Social Security Administration's website has a tool that asks a few questions and tells you which program may fit your situation.
What Information the Online Form Asks For
iClaim collects information in sections. First, it asks about your personal details: full name, date of birth, where you live, phone number, and email. Then it moves to your work history, asking for the names and dates of every job you held in the past 15 years, what you did in each job, and how much you earned.
Next, the form asks about your medical condition. It will ask when your condition started, what doctors or hospitals have treated you, and what medications you take. You do not have to describe your condition in detail here — you will provide medical records separately. The form is just collecting the names and contact information of your treatment providers so the Social Security Administration can request your records directly.
The form also asks whether you have ever been convicted of a crime, whether you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and whether you have ever received Social Security benefits before. Answer these questions honestly. If you have a criminal record or immigration status concerns, do not skip these questions — the Social Security Administration will find out anyway, and lying on the form can delay your case.
At the end, iClaim asks you to review your answers and confirm they are correct. Read through everything before you submit. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen — write it down or take a screenshot.
Submitting Medical Records and Supporting Documents
After you submit your online process, you do not have to mail anything unless the Social Security Administration asks you to. The agency will contact your doctors and hospitals directly using the information you provided in iClaim and request your medical records. This usually takes two to four weeks.
However, if you want to speed up the process, you can submit medical records yourself. You can upload them to your My Social Security account, mail them to your local Social Security office, or bring them in person. If you mail them, include your name, date of birth, and case number on the envelope so they do not get lost.
Do not wait for the Social Security Administration to request your records if you have recent test results, imaging, or specialist reports that show your condition clearly. Submitting these yourself can shorten the time it takes to make a decision. Medical records that are less than three months old are most useful because they show your current condition.
What Happens After You Submit
Within two weeks of submitting your process, you will receive a letter from the Social Security Administration with your case number and the name of the person assigned to your case. Keep this letter — you will need the case number for any future contact about your process.
The Social Security Administration will then request your medical records from your doctors. This step takes two to four weeks. While they are gathering records, you may receive a phone call asking follow-up questions about your work history or your condition. Answer these questions as completely as you can.
The entire decision process usually takes three to six months for SSDI and two to three months for SSI, though it can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if the Social Security Administration needs more information. You can check the status of your process by logging into your My Social Security account and selecting "View your process status."
If You Cannot Use the Online Form
If you do not have internet access, are not comfortable using a computer, or need help reading or understanding the questions, you have other options. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) and ask to explore over the phone. A representative will ask you the same questions as iClaim and submit your process for you.
You can also walk into your local Social Security office and explore in person. Find your nearest office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of your doctors and hospitals. The office staff will help you fill out the form and submit it on the spot.
explore by phone or in person takes longer than the online form — usually 45 minutes to an hour — but the result is the same. Your process goes into the same system, and the Social Security Administration processes it using the same timeline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is leaving gaps in your work history. If you did not work for a period of time, say so clearly — do not leave the dates blank. The Social Security Administration needs to know when you worked and when you did not. If you worked part-time, self-employed, or under the table, include that too. Incomplete work history can delay your case because the agency will have to contact you to fill in the blanks.
Another frequent error is not listing all your doctors and hospitals. Even if you only saw a doctor once or twice, include them. The Social Security Administration needs a complete picture of your medical treatment. If you forget someone and they later submit records, it can change the decision, so it is better to list everyone you have seen in the past few years.
Do not assume the Social Security Administration will know about your condition from your work history or from talking to you once. Provide as much detail as you can about when your condition started, how it affects your ability to work, and what treatment you have received. The more specific you are, the easier it is for the decision-maker to understand your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore online if I have never had a My Social Security account before?
Yes. You create a My Social Security account as part of the process. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account," verify your email, and then log in to start your disability process. The whole setup takes about five minutes.
What if I do not have all my medical records when I explore?
You do not need them to submit your process. The Social Security Administration will request them from your doctors after you explore. However, if you have recent records that clearly show your condition, submitting them yourself can speed up the decision.
Can I save my process and finish it later?
Yes. iClaim saves your answers automatically as you type. You can log out and return to your process at any time using your username and password. Your progress will be exactly where you left it.
What if I make a mistake on my process after I submit it?
Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 and tell them what needs to be corrected. Provide your case number. The Social Security Administration can update your process before a decision is made, and correcting errors early prevents delays.
How do I know if my process was received?
You will see a confirmation number on the screen when you submit iClaim. Write it down. Within two weeks, you will receive a letter with your case number. You can also log into your My Social Security account and check your process status at any time.