Where to Start Your process in Illinois

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in three ways: online through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people in Illinois start online because you can do it at your own pace and keep a record of what you submitted. If you explore online, you will need a my Social Security account, which takes about 10 minutes to create.

The online process for SSDI or SSI is called the iClaim system. You can access it at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The form itself takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready, but you do not have to finish it in one sitting — you can save your progress and come back. If you prefer to explore by phone, call Social Security's national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you want to explore in person, find your nearest Illinois Social Security office on ssa.gov/locator.

Illinois does not have a separate state disability program. All disability claims go through Social Security, which is a federal program. However, if you are approved for SSDI, you will automatically become covered by Medicare after 24 months. If you are approved for SSI, you may be covered by Illinois Medicaid right away.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office in Illinois.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and work history ready before you start, because the process asks for specific dates and details.
  • The online process can be saved and completed over multiple sessions, so you do not have to finish it all at once.
  • After you explore, Social Security will contact you if they need more information, so make sure they have a current phone number and mailing address.
  • If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal, and most people who appeal with a lawyer or representative win on reconsideration or at a hearing.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Social Security will ask you to provide or confirm several pieces of information during your process. Have these ready before you start: your Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship or immigration status, driver's license or state ID number, and your bank account information (if you want direct deposit). You will also need to list every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked, and what you did.

For the medical side, you do not have to submit documents during the process itself, but Social Security will ask you to name every doctor, hospital, clinic, and mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. Write down the name of each provider, the address, phone number, and the dates you were seen there. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or therapy notes, gather those too — you can upload them to your online account or bring them to your appointment.

If you do not have all this information when you explore, you can still submit your process. Social Security will contact your providers directly to request your medical records. This usually takes longer, so having the information ready speeds up the process.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Illinois Disability information Services (DDS) office, which is the state agency that makes the initial decision on your claim. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your process was received. This notice will include a case number and the name of a contact person if you have questions.

The DDS office will request your medical records from the providers you listed. This step usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. If Social Security needs more information — for example, if your medical records do not clearly describe your condition or your work history — they will contact you by phone or mail. Answer their questions as soon as you can, because delays in responding can slow down your case.

The entire process from process to an initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months. Some cases take longer if your medical condition is complex or if the DDS office is backlogged. You can check the status of your claim by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Illinois-Specific Resources and Support

Illinois has several organizations that help people understand the disability process and represent them if their claim is denied. The Equip for Equality organization offers free legal help to people with disabilities in Illinois, including information with Social Security claims. You can reach them at 1-800-537-2632 or visit equipforequality.org. The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program also offers free help; call 1-877-897-2272 to connect with a counselor.

If you need help understanding your medical condition or gathering medical evidence, the Illinois Department of Human Services can connect you with a Work Incentive Planning and information (WIPA) project. These projects are free and help you understand how work affects your benefits. Call 1-866-968-7842 to find a WIPA counselor near you.

Illinois also has a Ticket to Work program, which allows you to work and test your ability to earn money without when ready losing your SSDI benefits. This is managed through Social Security, but local WIPA counselors in Illinois can explain how it works and help you decide whether it makes sense for your situation.

If Your Claim Is Denied

If the Illinois DDS office denies your claim, you will receive a written decision explaining why. The decision will say whether Social Security found that you do not have a severe medical condition, or whether your condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, or whether you are able to work despite your condition. Read this decision carefully, because it tells you what you need to address in your appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. The first level of appeal is called reconsideration, and it means a different examiner at the DDS office will review your case. You can submit new medical evidence, new statements from your doctors, or new information about your work history. Many people win on reconsideration if they provide stronger medical evidence the second time.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people who eventually win their cases succeed. At a hearing, you can testify, your doctor can testify, and a lawyer or representative can argue on your behalf. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability is common at this stage; they typically charge a fee only if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay.

How SSDI and SSI Differ in Illinois

Social Security offers two separate disability programs, and the one you can receive depends on your work history and income. SSDI is based on your own work record or, if you have not worked much, on a parent's or spouse's work record. To receive SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. There is no income or asset limit for SSDI, and your benefit amount is based on your earnings history.

SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and few assets. You can receive SSI even if you have never worked or do not have enough work credits for SSDI. In Illinois, the SSI payment amount is set by Social Security and is the same for everyone; it does not depend on your work history. If you receive SSI, you may also be covered by Illinois Medicaid.

Some people receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time. This happens when your SSDI benefit is very low — below the SSI federal benefit rate — and you meet SSI's income and asset limits. If you think you might be may be able to access for both, mention this when you explore, and Social Security will evaluate you for both programs.

Work and Earnings While Your Claim Is Pending

You can work and earn money while your disability claim is being decided. There is no rule that says you must stop working to explore for SSDI or SSI. However, if you are working and earning substantial income, Social Security may use that as evidence that you are able to work, which could affect the outcome of your claim. The key word is "substantial" — Social Security defines this as earning more than $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes each year.

If you are earning less than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount, you can continue working without it directly affecting your claim decision. If you are earning more than SGA, Social Security will likely conclude that you are not disabled, unless your condition is so severe that you cannot sustain that level of work for more than a few months.

If you are approved for SSDI, you will have a nine-month trial work period during which you can earn any amount without losing your benefits. This is one of Social Security's work incentives and is designed to help you test whether you can return to work. After the trial work period ends, your benefits will continue as long as your earnings stay below SGA.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The initial decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. The Illinois DDS office processes thousands of claims, so timing varies. You can check your case status online through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you have not heard anything after 6 months, call to confirm your case is still active.

Can I explore for disability while I am still working?

Yes. Working does not prevent you from explore. However, if you are earning more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 SGA amount), Social Security may use your earnings as evidence that you can work. If your earnings are lower or if you are working part-time, it will not automatically disqualify you.

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

Social Security will request your medical records directly from your providers if you give them the provider's name and contact information. If a provider no longer has records or will not release them, tell Social Security in writing. You can also ask your current doctor to write a statement describing your condition and limitations based on what you have told them.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for disability in Illinois?

You do not need a lawyer to explore or to file for reconsideration. Many people win their initial claims without representation. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing, having a lawyer or representative who knows Social Security law significantly increases your chances of winning. Lawyers typically charge only if you win.

What is the difference between explore online and explore in person in Illinois?

The process itself is the same either way. Online is faster and you can save your progress. In person, a Social Security representative can answer questions as you fill out the form. If you have trouble with technology or prefer to speak to someone, the in-person option may be easier for you.