What Happens When You explore for Disability

When you explore for disability through Social Security, you are asking the government to decide whether your medical condition prevents you from working. Social Security runs two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on your work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on your income and assets right now. The process itself is free. You answer questions about your medical condition, your work history, and your finances. Social Security then sends your case to a state agency called Disability information Services, which reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet the program's definition of disability.

The process takes time. Most decisions come back within three to six months, though some take longer. You will not hear anything for weeks after you submit your process. That is normal. Social Security will contact you if they need more information or medical records.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start an SSDI or SSI process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • SSDI requires a work history and Social Security taxes paid in recent years; SSI requires low income and assets under $2,000 for an individual.
  • Gather your medical records, work history, and list of doctors before you start, because the process asks detailed questions about both.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services, which makes the actual decision.
  • If you are denied, you can appeal; most people who appeal with new medical evidence or a lawyer's help have better outcomes than their first decision.

Decide Which Program Fits Your Situation

SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need a certain number of work credits in recent years—usually at least 20 credits in the last 10 years if you are under 31, and more if you are older. One credit equals roughly $1,470 of earnings in 2024, and you can earn up to four credits per year. If you worked full-time for several years, you likely have enough credits. SSDI pays you based on your own earnings record, and your family members may also receive benefits on your record.

SSI is for people with low income and few assets, regardless of work history. You can have no more than $2,000 in countable assets as an individual (or $3,000 if you are married). SSI pays a federal amount—$943 per month in 2024, though this changes yearly—plus any state supplement your state offers. You can work part-time and still receive SSI, as long as your income stays below the limit.

You can explore for both programs at the same time if you think you might be on the borderline. Social Security will sort out which one you may have access to for.

Gather Your Medical Records and Work History Before You Start

The process asks for the names and addresses of every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. It also asks when you saw them and what they treated you for. Have this list ready before you start. If you do not have contact information, write down what you remember—the city, the type of provider, and roughly when you went. Social Security can track down records if you give them enough detail.

You will also need to describe your work history for the past 15 years. Write down each job, the dates you worked, what you did, and how much you earned. If you are self-employed, gather your tax returns. Social Security uses this to decide whether you have enough work credits and to understand what kind of work you used to do.

Bring or have ready your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, green card, or state ID). If you are explore for SSI, you will also need to report your bank account numbers and balances, any property you own, and your current monthly income.

Start Your process Online, by Phone, or In Person

The easiest way to start is online at ssa.gov. Go to the "explore for Disability" section and choose SSDI or SSI. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready. You can save your progress and come back to finish it later. When you submit online, you get a confirmation number right away.

If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the week. A representative will ask you the same questions the online form does and submit your process for you. You do not need an appointment.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though you may wait. Find your office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring the documents listed above. An employee will help you fill out the process on the spot.

What Happens After You Submit

Social Security sends your process to your state's Disability information Services office within a few days. That office is separate from Social Security and makes the actual disability decision. They will request your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This can take several weeks.

If your medical records are incomplete or do not show enough detail about your condition, Disability information Services may schedule you for a consultative exam—a free medical exam paid for by Social Security. A doctor or psychologist will examine you and send a report to the state office. This does not mean your case is weak; it just means they need more current information.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. It will say you are approved, denied, or approved for a different program than you expected. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.

What to Do If You Are Denied

About 65 to 70 percent of first-time applications are denied. A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits—it means the state office decided your medical condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability at this time. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. The first level of appeal is called reconsideration. You submit new medical evidence—recent test results, doctor's notes, or a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition prevents you from working. Many people's cases are approved on reconsideration if they have stronger medical evidence the second time.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge

Work and Earnings While Your Case Is Pending

You can work while your process is being decided. If you are explore for SSDI, working does not hurt your case. If you are explore for SSI, your earnings count toward the income limit, so working may reduce your monthly payment or make you ineligible temporarily.

If you are approved for SSDI, you can continue working part-time and still receive benefits, as long as you do not earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024; this amount changes yearly). This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity limit. If you earn more than that, Social Security will stop your benefits for that month. SSI has a different earnings rule: you can earn up to $65 per month plus half of anything above that without losing benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it really take to get a decision?

Most cases take three to six months from process to decision. Some take longer, especially if your medical records are hard to get or if you need a consultative exam. There is no way to speed this up, but you can call Social Security after 60 days to ask whether your case is still being reviewed.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. Many people are approved without a lawyer. A lawyer becomes more useful if you are denied and want to appeal, especially at the hearing stage. You can hire one at any point in the process, including after a denial.

What if I do not have medical records from my doctors?

Tell Social Security the doctor's name and location, and they will request the records for you. If the doctor's office no longer has records (usually after seven years), tell Social Security that. You can also ask your current doctor to write a letter describing your condition based on what you have told them, though this is weaker evidence than actual medical records.

Can I work full-time while I wait for a decision?

Yes. Working does not hurt your SSDI process. For SSI, your earnings count toward the income limit, so full-time work may make you ineligible. But you can still explore and see what happens.

What if I missed the 60-day important date to appeal my denial?

Call Social Security when ready. You can ask for a "good cause" extension if you have a reason for missing the important date—illness, moving, not receiving the letter. Social Security grants these sometimes, but not always. The sooner you call, the better your chances.