The Basic Steps to explore for SSDI

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: 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. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your work and return to it later. By phone, a representative will walk you through the questions. In person, you bring documents with you and complete the process with staff help.

No matter which method you choose, Social Security will ask the same core questions: your name, date of birth, work history, medical conditions, and the date your condition began to prevent you from working. You will need to provide your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Have your medical records and the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you ready before you start.

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. That office reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets the rules for disability. This review typically takes 3 to 5 months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and the online method lets you save your work and return later.
  • Social Security will ask about your medical conditions, when they started, your work history, and your doctors' names and addresses.
  • You must provide your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security number.
  • Your process goes to your state's Disability information Services office, which takes 3 to 5 months to make a decision.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge, at no cost to you.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or a green card). If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have a green card or be in a category that Social Security recognizes as lawfully present.

Bring proof of your medical conditions and treatment. This means the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers who have treated you. Include dates of treatment and the conditions they treated you for. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge summaries, have those ready too. Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request your full medical records, so you do not have to collect them yourself, but having the contact information speeds up the process.

If you have worked, bring your W-2 forms or tax returns from the past 15 years. Social Security already has your earnings record, but having your own copies helps you spot errors. If you are self-employed, bring your tax returns and Schedule C forms.

explore Online at SSA.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" on the homepage. You will be directed to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. Once your account is set up, you can start the disability process.

The online form asks you to enter your personal information, work history, medical conditions, and the date you stopped being able to work. You can save your progress at any point and log back in to finish later. This is useful if you need time to gather information or if you want to review your answers before submitting.

After you submit the online process, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Social Security will mail you a notice confirming receipt of your process within 5 to 7 business days. If you do not receive this notice, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your process was received.

explore by Phone or In Person

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and enter your answers into the system. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 for the address and hours. Bring all your documents with you. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some require one. Call ahead to ask. An employee will help you fill out the process and answer your questions. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security sends your process to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. DDS is a state agency that works with Social Security to review disability claims. A team of a doctor and a disability examiner will review your medical records and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

Social Security will contact your doctors and ask them to send your medical records. This can take 2 to 4 weeks. If your doctors do not respond quickly, DDS may send a second request or schedule a consultative examination (CE) — a medical exam paid for by Social Security with a doctor or psychologist they choose. A CE does not mean your claim is being denied; it means Social Security needs more current medical information.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If approved, the letter tells you your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. If denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration. Keep this letter; you will need it if you appeal.

Understanding the Decision Timeline

Most decisions take 3 to 5 months from the date you submit your process. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence or if your case is complex. Cases involving mental health conditions or pain-based conditions sometimes take longer because they require more detailed medical documentation.

You can check the status of your process online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security cannot tell you whether you will be approved or denied before the decision is made, but they can tell you whether your file is complete or whether they are waiting for information from your doctors.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal at no cost. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. This means DDS will review your case again, usually with a different examiner and doctor. You can submit new medical evidence with your reconsideration request.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney for the hearing, though it is not required. Representatives are paid only if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began).

After the ALJ hearing, if you are still denied, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court. Each step is free to request, though an attorney can help you prepare your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a green card or are in a category that Social Security recognizes as lawfully present. You will need to provide proof of your immigration status. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSDI, but they may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they meet other rules. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your specific situation.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect them yourself. When you explore, provide the names and addresses of your doctors and hospitals. Social Security will request your records directly from them. If a doctor has retired or records are old, tell Social Security what you know. They will try to locate the records, and if they cannot, they may order a consultative examination instead.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

Your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime earnings record. The average SSDI payment varies by age and work history. You can see an estimate of your benefit by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and viewing your earnings record. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not hurt your process. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may conclude you are not disabled. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible, or tell Social Security about any work you do when you explore.

What if I miss the 60-day important date to appeal?

Call Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. You can request a late appeal if you have a good reason for missing the important date, such as illness or a postal delay. Social Security will decide whether to allow it. Do not wait; the sooner you contact them, the better your chances.