The main forms you'll need are on ssa.gov, and you can fill them out there without leaving the site

Social Security publishes the actual forms you need to explore for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) on its official website. You can read them, print them, fill them out by hand, and mail them in. You can also fill them out directly in your browser on ssa.gov and print the completed version. The forms themselves are free and always available—there is no important date to read them, and no service charges.

The core form is SSA-16, the process for Disability Insurance Benefits. If you are explore for SSI instead, you'll use SSA-8, the Supplemental Security Income process. Both forms ask for your work history, medical conditions, doctors' names, and when your disability began. You can start either one online through your personal my Social Security account, which walks you through the questions in order and saves your answers as you go.

The online process route is faster than mailing forms because Social Security receives it when ready and can begin reviewing your case the same day. If you use the paper forms, mail them to your local Social Security office—the address is on the form itself. Either way, you'll need to provide medical evidence separately, usually by having your doctors send records directly to Social Security.

Key Takeaways

  • SSA-16 is the form for SSDI; SSA-8 is the form for SSI; both are free and downloadable from ssa.gov.
  • You can fill out forms online through your my Social Security account, which saves your work and submits when ready, or print and mail paper versions.
  • Medical records must be sent separately by your doctors or hospitals—the process form itself is not enough to prove disability.
  • Starting your process online is faster than mailing because Social Security receives it the same day and can begin processing when ready.
  • You do not need to pay anyone to fill out these forms or submit them; Social Security provides them at no cost.

How to create a my Social Security account and start online

Before you can fill out an process online, you need a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account" in the top right, and follow the steps. You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm your identity.

Once your account is set up, log in and look for "explore for benefits" or "Disability benefits" in the menu. The system will ask you to choose between SSDI and SSI. If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, you are likely explore for SSDI. If you have very little income and assets, you may be explore for SSI instead—some people explore for both at the same time. The online form will guide you through this choice.

The online process saves automatically as you fill it out, so you can stop and come back later without losing your answers. You do not have to complete it all in one sitting. When you are ready to submit, the system will show you a summary of everything you entered so you can review it before it goes to Social Security.

What to do if you cannot use the online form

If you do not have internet access, a computer, or an email address, you can still get the paper forms. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to mail you SSA-16 or SSA-8. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person and ask for the forms there. A staff member can help you fill them out if you need it, though they cannot tell you whether you will be approved.

Some people use a representative—a lawyer, advocate, or family member—to help them fill out the forms. If you choose to do this, the representative can submit the forms on your behalf, but you still have to sign them. Social Security will not process an process without your signature or the signature of someone legally authorized to sign for you.

If you are having trouble with the my Social Security account—for example, you cannot remember your password or you did not receive the verification code—call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for account help. Social Security staff can walk you through resetting your password or verifying your identity a different way.

What happens after you submit the form

Once Social Security receives your process, whether online or by mail, you will get a receipt notice with a case number. Keep this number—you will use it to check on your case status. You can check your status online through your my Social Security account, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your case number.

Social Security will then contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records. This usually takes two to four weeks. You can speed this up by having your doctors send the records directly to Social Security yourself, but you do not have to—Social Security will request them for you.

The entire review process typically takes three to six months for SSDI and two to three months for SSI, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if Social Security needs more information. You do not need to resubmit the form or do anything else unless Social Security asks you to.

Documents you should gather before you start

The process form will ask for specific information, and having these documents ready will make filling it out faster. You will need your Social Security number, birth date, and current address. You should also have a list of all jobs you have worked in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked and the names of your employers.

Gather the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your disability. Include mental health providers, physical therapists, and any other medical professionals you see regularly. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, keep those nearby—you do not have to upload them with the form, but having them on hand helps you remember details to include.

You will also need information about your current income and assets if you are explore for SSI. This includes bank account balances, property you own, and any money you receive from other sources. If you are married or have a dependent child, you will need their information too.

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out the form

The most common error is leaving out dates or being vague about when your disability started. Social Security needs to know the exact month and year your condition began to affect your ability to work. If you are not sure, give your best estimate—Social Security can adjust the date later if medical records show something different.

Another frequent mistake is not listing all your doctors. If you see multiple providers, list every one, even if you only see them once a year. Social Security needs a complete picture of your medical care. If you leave someone out, Social Security may not request their records, and your case could be delayed or denied.

Do not exaggerate your symptoms or make up medical conditions. Social Security will verify everything you say by contacting your doctors. If your process does not match your medical records, it can hurt your case. Stick to what your doctors have actually documented.

If you are filling out the paper form by hand, write clearly and use black or blue ink. If any section does not explore to you, write "N/A" instead of leaving it blank—this shows you did not skip it by accident. Sign and date the form before mailing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form on my phone?

The my Social Security account works on phones and tablets, so you can start and complete the process on a mobile device. The form adjusts to fit smaller screens. However, some people find it easier to review and submit on a computer because they can see the full form at once.

What if I make a mistake after I submit the form?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them about the error. They can correct straightforward mistakes like a wrong phone number or address. If the mistake is about your work history or medical information, Social Security will note it in your file and may ask you to clarify when they review your case.

Do I have to use the online form, or can I mail the paper version?

You can use either one. The online form is faster because Social Security receives it when ready, but the paper form works just as well. Choose whichever is easier for you. Both are free, and both lead to the same review process.

Who can I contact if I have questions while filling out the form?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). Staff can answer questions about what information to include and how to fill out specific sections. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person.

Is there a fee to submit the form online?

No. Social Security does not charge a fee to submit an process. If someone offers to fill out your form for a fee, that is a separate service they are providing—the form itself and the submission are always free.