What you need to do to file for SSDI

To file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you contact the Social Security Administration directly and submit medical evidence showing you cannot work. You can start the process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The SSA will ask about your work history, your condition, and the doctors or hospitals treating you — then they will request your medical records themselves.

You do not need a lawyer to file, though some people hire one later if their claim is denied. The entire process from filing to a decision typically takes three to five months, though some cases take longer if the SSA needs more information from your doctors.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online, by phone, or in person; online is usually fastest and you can save your progress and come back to it.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you for your condition.
  • The SSA pulls your medical records directly from your providers, so you do not have to collect them yourself, though you can submit additional records if you want.
  • If you are denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.

Filing online through your Social Security account

The fastest way to file is through ssa.gov using a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, select "Create an account" if you do not have one, and log in. Once logged in, look for "explore for benefits" and select "Disability." The form will ask you to describe your medical condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work.

You can complete the form in one sitting or save it and return later — your answers stay saved for 60 days. When you finish, the SSA will give you a confirmation number. Keep this number; you will need it if you call or visit an office later. You do not submit medical records through the website; the SSA will contact your doctors directly once they receive your process.

Filing by phone or in person

If you prefer not to use the website, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and file your process over the phone. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary; calling ahead to schedule an appointment is usually faster. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and a list of doctors who have treated you.

What information and documents you will need

Before you start, gather these items: your Social Security number, your birth certificate, your current W-2 form or tax return (to show your work history), and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, clinics, or hospitals that have treated you for your condition. You do not need to collect your actual medical records — the SSA will request them from your providers.

If you have been treated by multiple providers, list all of them. The SSA will contact each one. If you have had surgery, hospital stays, or mental health treatment, make sure those providers are included. If you receive treatment from a Veterans Affairs hospital or clinic, include that too.

What happens after you file

Once the SSA receives your process, they assign it a case number and send you a letter confirming they have it. The SSA then contacts your doctors to request your medical records. This step can take several weeks depending on how busy the providers are. You may receive a letter asking you to provide additional information or to attend a medical exam paid for by the SSA.

A disability examiner reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition prevents you from working. If approved, you will receive a letter stating your monthly benefit amount and your start date. If denied, you will receive a letter explaining why and your right to request reconsideration within 60 days.

What to do if your claim is denied

If you receive a denial letter, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. This means the SSA will review your case again, usually with a different examiner. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage — for example, recent test results or a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition is disabling. Send any new evidence to the address on your denial letter.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people who were denied at the initial stage receive benefits after a hearing. You can represent yourself or hire a lawyer; if you win, the lawyer's fee comes from your back pay, not from you upfront.

Working with a lawyer or representative

You do not need a lawyer to file or to request reconsideration. Many people handle these steps on their own. However, if your claim is denied and you request a hearing, some people find it helpful to have someone represent them. A lawyer or non-lawyer representative can organize your medical evidence, prepare you for the hearing, and present your case to the judge.

If you hire a representative, they must be approved by the SSA. You can find approved representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking your local legal aid office. The representative's fee is limited by law — currently a maximum of 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200, whichever is less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes. You can file while working, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity limit, which changes each year. In 2024, that limit is $1,550 per month. If you earn more than that, the SSA may deny your claim on the grounds that you are able to work.

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

Most initial decisions take three to five months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another two to three months. If you request a hearing, the wait for a hearing date can be six months to two years depending on how busy your local hearing office is.

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

The SSA will request them directly from your providers. If a provider no longer has your records or has closed, tell the SSA in writing. You can also submit records yourself — for example, records from a hospital stay or recent test results — by mailing them to the address on your confirmation letter.

Do I need to be unable to work completely to receive SSDI?

Yes. SSDI requires that your condition prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. You cannot receive SSDI if you can do any kind of work, even if it pays less than your previous job or is part-time.

What happens to my benefits if I go back to work?

The SSA has a work incentive program that allows you to test your ability to work without when ready losing benefits. You can earn up to a certain amount per month during a trial work period. If you earn more than that, your benefits will stop, but you can request them again if you stop working.