The Indiana process Process

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Indiana, you have three routes: online through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people start online because you can do it at your own pace and keep a record of what you submitted. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your medical records and work history ready.

Indiana has 29 Social Security field offices spread across the state. If you prefer to explore in person or by phone, you can find your nearest office on Social Security's office locator at ssa.gov. When you call, the number is 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Phone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the morning, so calling on a Thursday or Friday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

No matter which route you choose, you will need the same documents: proof of your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records showing your condition and treatment dates, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years with the dates you worked. If you do not have all of these when you start, you can submit them later—Social Security will tell you what is still needed.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at one of Indiana's 29 Social Security offices.
  • The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes and lets you save your progress, so you do not have to finish in one sitting.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and a work history covering the past 15 years.
  • Social Security will contact you if documents are missing, so you do not need to have everything before you start.
  • After you submit, expect the initial decision to arrive within 3 to 6 months, though some cases take longer if your condition is complex.

explore Online Through Social Security's Website

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is the fastest way to get your claim into the system. You create an account, fill out the form section by section, and can save and return to it as many times as you need. Social Security will send you a confirmation number when you submit, and you can use that number to check the status of your claim anytime.

The form asks for basic information first: your name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Then it moves into your medical history—when your condition started, what doctors you have seen, what medications you take, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Be specific here. Instead of writing "back pain," describe what you cannot do: "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain" or "I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds."

After the medical section, you list your work history. Social Security needs to know the job title, the dates you worked, and what the job involved. If you have not worked in the past 15 years, that is fine—you can still explore for SSI, which does not require a work history. The form also asks about your living situation, whether anyone else lives with you, and whether you receive any other income or benefits.

Once you submit online, you will receive a confirmation email with your claim number. Write this number down or save the email. You will use it every time you contact Social Security about your case.

explore by Phone or In Person in Indiana

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and fill it out for you. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up, and write down the date and time of your call.

To explore in person, visit your local Social Security office without an appointment—walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Bring all your documents with you: your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and a list of your jobs. If you do not have everything, bring what you have and ask what else you need to submit by mail or online.

Indiana's Social Security offices are located in cities including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington, and Terre Haute, among others. Smaller towns may not have their own office, so you may need to travel to the nearest city. The ssa.gov office locator will show you hours, phone numbers, and whether the office requires an appointment for certain services.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After Social Security receives your process, they send you a letter within two weeks confirming they have it and listing what documents they still need. If anything is missing, send it as soon as you can—delays in submitting documents can slow down your case by weeks or months.

Social Security then sends your file to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Indiana. This is a separate state agency that reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. The DDS office may contact your doctors to ask for more details about your condition, your treatment, and what you can and cannot do physically or mentally.

The initial decision usually arrives within 3 to 6 months, though cases involving complex medical conditions or incomplete records can take longer. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining the decision. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

Documents You Need to Gather Before You explore

Start gathering these documents before you explore, because having them ready speeds up the process. You do not need originals—copies work fine.

Proof of identity and citizenship: Your birth certificate and Social Security card are the most important. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, green card, or visa. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Medical records: Collect records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider you have seen since your condition started. Include test results, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), surgery reports, and medication lists. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may ask you to get a medical exam before they make a decision. Ask your doctor's office to send records directly to Social Security—you can provide the address when you explore.

Work history: List every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, dates you worked, and what the job involved. If you are self-employed, include the type of business and your net income for each year.

If Your process Is Denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to request reconsideration. This means a different examiner at the DDS office will review your case from the beginning. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

When you request reconsideration, submit any new medical evidence you have gathered since your first process. New test results, recent doctor visits, or letters from your doctors describing how your condition has worsened can make a difference. Many people are approved on reconsideration because they have submitted additional medical proof.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a formal process where you can present your case in front of a judge, and many people hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage. The hearing request must be filed within 60 days of the reconsideration denial letter.

Working With a Disability Representative in Indiana

You do not have to hire anyone to help you explore, but many people find it useful to work with a disability representative or attorney, especially if your first process is denied. Representatives can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf.

In Indiana, you can find accredited representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or through Legal Aid of Indiana, which offers free help to people with low income. Some representatives work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case—and their fee is capped by Social Security at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200.

Before you hire anyone, ask whether they are accredited by Social Security. You can check this on Social Security's website. Never pay an upfront fee to someone claiming they can may provide you benefits—that is a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability while I am still working?

Yes. Social Security allows you to earn up to $1,550 per month (as of 2024, though this amount changes yearly) while you explore for SSDI. If you earn more than this, Social Security may deny your claim or say you are not disabled. The amount is called the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, and it varies by year.

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

The initial decision usually arrives within 3 to 6 months. Some cases move faster if your medical records are clear and complete. Cases involving conditions that are harder to evaluate—like chronic pain or mental illness—often take longer because the DDS office may request additional medical exams or records.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is based on financial need and does not require a work history. You can explore for both at the same time. If you have worked recently, you will likely may have access to for SSDI. If you have never worked or have not worked enough, you may may have access to for SSI instead.

Do I need to be under a doctor's care to explore?

You do not have to be currently seeing a doctor, but Social Security will need medical evidence of your condition. If you have not seen a doctor in a long time, Social Security may ask you to get an exam before they make a decision. If you cannot afford a doctor, ask Social Security whether they will pay for a consultative exam.

Can I check the status of my process online?

Yes. If you applied online, you can log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov and check your case status anytime. If you applied by phone or in person, you can call 1-800-772-1213 with your claim number and a representative will tell you where your case stands.