Start with the Social Security Administration, not a third party

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the only government body that handles SSDI applications. You can explore directly through them at no cost. Many websites and services claim to help with SSDI applications, but SSA does not endorse any of them, and you should never pay someone to submit your process for you.

You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is usually fastest if you have a Social Security number and basic information ready. Phone and in-person appointments work if you need help understanding the questions or have documents to discuss.

Before you contact SSA, gather what you will need: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records that show your condition and how it limits your work. You do not need all of these to start, but having them ready speeds things up.

Key Takeaways

  • explore directly to the Social Security Administration through ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local office—never through a third-party website or service.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and medical records ready before you start, though you can begin without all of them.
  • The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information in front of you, and you can save your progress and come back later.
  • After you submit, SSA will contact you to request additional medical evidence, which usually takes several weeks to gather and send back.
  • The entire process from submission to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if SSA needs more information.

explore online through ssa.gov

The online process is called the iClaim system. You start at ssa.gov, click "explore for Disability," and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This account lets you check the status of your process later and upload documents without calling.

The form asks for your personal information, work history, medical conditions, and the date your condition began to prevent you from working. Be as specific as you can about dates and which doctors or hospitals have treated you. If you are not sure of an exact date, give your best estimate—SSA will ask you to clarify later if needed.

The process saves automatically as you go, so you can close it and return within 45 days to finish. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. SSA will also send you a confirmation letter by mail within two weeks.

explore by phone or in person

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a representative will walk you through the process over the phone. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your medical history and work. The representative will schedule a follow-up appointment if SSA needs to see original documents or discuss your case in more detail.

In-person appointments at your local Social Security office work the same way. You can find your office at ssa.gov or call the number above to make an appointment. Bring originals or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and any medical records you have. SSA staff can explain what documents you still need to gather.

Phone and in-person applications take longer to process than online ones because SSA has to enter your information into their system manually. If you can use the online form, that is usually faster.

What SSA asks for after you submit

Within a few weeks of submitting your process, SSA will send you a letter asking for medical evidence. This is called a Consultative Examination Request or Medical Evidence Form, depending on what they need. The letter will list specific doctors, hospitals, or test results they want to see.

You do not have to pay for these records. Contact the medical providers listed in the letter and ask them to send the records directly to SSA. Include the case number from your confirmation letter so the provider knows which process the records are for. Most providers can send records by mail or fax within two to four weeks.

If SSA cannot find records from a doctor you listed, they may schedule you for a Consultative Examination with a doctor they choose. SSA pays for this exam. You will receive a letter with the date, time, and location. Attend this appointment—missing it can delay or deny your case.

Timeline from submission to decision

After you submit your process, SSA reviews it in this order: first they check whether you meet non-medical requirements (you have worked long enough, you are the right age, and so on), then they send it to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS) for medical review. DDS is the body that actually decides whether your condition meets SSDI rules.

DDS typically takes two to three months to make a decision, though this varies by state and how complex your case is. If they need more medical evidence, the timeline extends. You will receive a decision letter by mail. If SSA approves you, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If they deny you, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What to do if SSA denies your process

If you receive a denial letter, you have the right to challenge it. The letter will explain the reason for the denial and describe four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people start with reconsideration, which means SSA will review your case again with any new medical evidence you can provide.

You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local office. If you have new medical records, test results, or doctor's statements that were not in your first process, include them now. Reconsideration takes another two to three months.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where many cases are approved. You will have the chance to present your case in person or by phone, and you can bring a representative or lawyer. Many people find a lawyer at this stage—lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.

Working with a representative or lawyer

You can have someone represent you at any stage of your process or appeal. This can be a family member, a non-lawyer advocate, or a lawyer. If you use a lawyer or accredited representative, they must be approved by SSA. You can find approved representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking SSA for a list.

If your representative helps you win benefits, SSA will pay them directly from your back pay (the money owed from when your condition began). The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay or $6,000, whichever is less. You do not pay out of pocket. If you lose, your representative gets nothing.

You do not need a lawyer to explore or to request reconsideration, but many people find one helpful if they reach the hearing stage. A lawyer can gather medical evidence, write arguments, and present your case to the judge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI while I am still working?

Yes. SSDI does not require you to stop working before you explore. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), SSA may decide you are not disabled under their rules. The exact limit changes each year. You can work part-time or at a lower wage and still be approved.

What happens if I explore and then get better?

Tell SSA when ready if your condition improves or you return to work. SSA will review your case and may stop your benefits. If you do not report the change and SSA finds out later, you may have to repay benefits you were not may have access to to. It is better to report it yourself.

How long does the whole process take?

From submission to a decision usually takes three to six months. If SSA denies you and you request reconsideration, add another two to three months. If you go to a hearing, add six months to a year. The timeline depends on how quickly you send in medical records and how busy your state's office is.

Do I need medical records from every doctor I have ever seen?

No. SSA only needs records from doctors who have treated your condition in the past 12 months. If you saw a specialist years ago but have not seen them recently, you do not need to request old records. Focus on current providers.

What if I cannot afford to get medical records?

You do not pay for records that SSA requests directly from your providers. If you want to submit records on your own, some providers charge a copying fee, but SSA can request them for free. Ask your doctor's office whether SSA has already requested your records before you pay for copies yourself.