What you need to do to file for SSA disability
You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest — you can start your process any time and finish it in one sitting, though you do not have to. By phone, a representative will walk you through the questions and submit the form for you. In person, you bring documents with you and file on the spot.
No matter which route you choose, you will need the same basic information: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records showing your condition and treatment dates, a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited, and work history from the past 15 years. If you are explore based on a child's disability, you will also need their birth certificate and Social Security number.
The process itself asks about your medical condition, when it started, what doctors you see, what medications you take, and how your condition limits your ability to work. It also asks about your work history and earnings. You do not need to have all your medical records in hand before you start — Social Security can request them directly from your doctors — but having them ready speeds things up.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and the online method is usually fastest.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and a list of doctors and hospitals you have seen.
- Social Security can request your medical records directly from your providers, so you do not need to gather everything before you start.
- The process asks about your condition, when it began, your treatment history, and how it limits your ability to work.
- After you file, you will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether your case was approved, denied, or needs more information.
Filing online through ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Disability" button on the homepage. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one — this requires your email address and a password. Once you are logged in, you can start the disability process form.
The online form is broken into sections and saves your progress as you go. You can close it and come back later without losing what you have entered. The form asks for your personal information first, then your medical history, then your work history. Each section has help text if you are unsure how to answer a question.
When you reach the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully, then submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and in an email. Keep this number — you will use it if you need to check on your case or contact Social Security about your process.
Filing by phone with a Social Security representative
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors and hospitals ready before you call. Wait times vary, especially early in the week and early in the morning.
A representative will ask you the same questions that appear on the online form. They will type your answers into the system as you speak. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, the representative will confirm your information and tell you that your process has been filed. You will receive a confirmation notice in the mail within two weeks.
If you have trouble hearing or speaking, you can request a relay service or video relay service when you call. Social Security also has a TTY number: 1-800-325-0778.
Filing in person at a Social Security office
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of your doctors and hospitals.
A representative will review your documents, ask you the process questions, and file the form on your behalf. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a confirmation notice in the mail within two weeks.
If you cannot get to an office or have mobility issues, you can ask Social Security to send a representative to your home. Call your local office to request a home visit.
What Social Security does after you file
Once your process is submitted, Social Security sends you a notice in the mail confirming receipt. This notice includes a case number and the name of the person assigned to your case. Keep this information.
Social Security will request your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This can take several weeks. If Social Security needs more information — for example, medical records from a provider you forgot to mention — they will contact you by mail or phone.
Your case goes to a disability examiner who reviews your medical records and work history. The examiner may send your file to a medical consultant (a doctor or psychologist who works for Social Security) for a second opinion. This entire process usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.
Documents you should gather before filing
| Document Type | What to bring or have ready |
|---|---|
| Identity | Social Security number, birth certificate |
| Citizenship | U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or green card |
| Medical records | Doctor's notes, test results, hospital discharge summaries, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs), lab work |
| Provider contact information | Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics you have visited in the past 15 years |
| Work history | Dates of employment, job titles, and names of employers for the past 15 years |
| Medications | List of current medications and dosages |
What happens if you are denied
If Social Security denies your process, you will receive a notice explaining the reason. The most common reasons are that Social Security found your condition does not prevent you from working, that your condition is expected to improve, or that you have not been under medical treatment long enough.
You have the right to appeal. You can request reconsideration (Social Security reviews your case again with new or additional evidence), request a hearing before an administrative law judge, or request review by the Appeals Council. Each step has a important date — usually 60 days from the date on your denial notice. If you miss the important date, you can ask for an extension, but it is better not to wait.
Many people hire a disability representative or lawyer to help with an appeal. These representatives work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by law at 25 percent of your back pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?
Yes. You can work and file at the same time. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are able to work and deny your claim. The exact amount changes each year. If you are approved, you can earn up to a certain amount without losing benefits during a trial work period.
How long does it take to hear back after I file?
Most decisions take three to six months. Some cases take longer, especially if Social Security needs additional medical records or wants a second medical opinion. You can check the status of your case online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
No. You can file on your own without a lawyer or representative. Many people do. A representative can be helpful if your case is complex or if you are appealing a denial, but it is not required to file initially.
What if I do not have all my medical records?
You do not need to have them before you file. Social Security can request records directly from your doctors and hospitals. Provide the names and addresses of all providers you have seen, and Social Security will contact them. Having records ready does speed up the process, but it is not required.
Can I file for someone else, like a family member?
You can help someone file, but they must sign the process themselves (or mark an X if they cannot write). If someone is unable to manage their own affairs, you can become their representative payee, which allows you to receive and manage their benefits on their behalf. This requires a separate process and Social Security approval.