What you need to do to file for SSDI
You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) by submitting an process to the Social Security Administration (SSA). 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 online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and saves you a trip. If you explore by phone or in person, a Social Security representative will walk you through the same questions.
The SSA will ask for basic information: your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact details. You will also need to describe your medical condition, when it started, and which doctors or hospitals have treated you. Have your medical records, work history, and list of medications ready before you start—you do not have to submit them all at once, but having them nearby speeds things up.
After you submit, the SSA sends your case to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. That office reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets SSA's definition of disability. The entire process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if the DDS needs more information from your doctors.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office; online is usually fastest.
- The SSA asks for your medical history, work history, and current symptoms; have your doctor's names and dates of treatment ready.
- Your state's Disability information Services office makes the decision, not the Social Security office where you filed.
- The process takes three to six months on average, and you can work part-time during that time under certain limits.
- If you are denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.
Gathering the documents and information you will need
Before you file, collect the following: your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and your most recent tax return or W-2. You will also need the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you in the past five years.
Write down the dates you saw each provider and what they treated you for. If you have test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge summaries, gather those too—the SSA will request them from your providers, but having copies on hand helps you answer questions accurately during the interview. If you take medications, list them with the dosages and the dates you started each one.
You will also need a work history: the names of your employers for the past 15 years, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and records showing your income. The SSA uses this to understand what kind of work you have done and whether your condition prevents you from doing that work or any other work.
Filing online versus by phone or in person
Filing online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is the fastest route. You can start, save your progress, and come back later if you need to find information. The form is straightforward and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once you submit, you get a confirmation number and can check your case status online using your personal my Social Security account.
Filing by phone (1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) works if you prefer to speak with someone or have questions as you go. The representative will fill out the form as you answer. You will still need to submit medical evidence later, but the phone interview gets your process officially started.
Filing in person at your local Social Security office is an option if you do not have internet access or prefer face-to-face help. Call ahead to make an appointment—walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. The office can also help you understand what medical records the SSA will need from your doctors.
What happens after you submit your process
Once the SSA receives your process, they send it to your state's Disability information Services office within one to two weeks. The DDS office is a state agency that works with Social Security to review disability claims. They will contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records, test results, and treatment notes. This can take several weeks.
While the DDS is reviewing your case, you may receive a letter asking for more information or asking you to see a doctor for a consultative examination (CE). A CE is a medical exam paid for by Social Security to fill gaps in your medical evidence. If the DDS asks you to attend one, you must go—missing the appointment can delay or end your case.
The DDS makes a decision based on whether your medical condition meets or equals one of the conditions on SSA's list of impairments, or whether your condition prevents you from doing any work you have done in the past 15 years. You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.
Understanding the timeline and what to expect
Initial decisions typically arrive within three to six months, though some cases take longer. Complex cases—those involving multiple conditions, incomplete medical records, or the need for a consultative exam—often take closer to six months or more. You can check your case status online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If you are approved, your benefits usually start the month after you are found disabled. If your condition started before you filed, you may receive back pay for the months between when your disability began and when your benefits start. The SSA will explain this in your approval letter.
If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. Reconsideration means a different DDS examiner reviews your case. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Many people who are denied initially are approved at the hearing level, especially if they have submitted additional medical evidence or hired a disability representative.
Working while your SSDI process is pending
You can work part-time while your process is being reviewed. The SSA has a rule called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) that sets a monthly earnings limit. For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you are blind). If you earn more than that in a month, the SSA may view you as not disabled and deny your claim.
If you earn less than the SGA limit, you can continue working without affecting your process. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security if asked. Once you are approved for SSDI, you have a nine-month trial work period during which you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After that, the SGA limit applies again.
What to do if you are denied
A denial does not mean you cannot receive SSDI—it means the DDS did not find enough medical evidence that your condition meets their standards. Common reasons for denial include incomplete medical records, gaps in treatment, or a condition that the DDS believes does not prevent all work.
If you are denied, request reconsideration within 60 days. Before you do, gather any new medical evidence: recent test results, updated treatment notes, or letters from your doctors explaining why your condition prevents work. Submit this with your reconsideration request. If you are denied again, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You can represent yourself, but many people hire a disability representative or attorney to help at this stage.
You have 60 days to request reconsideration and another 60 days to request a hearing after the reconsideration denial. Do not miss these important date—once they pass, you must start a new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?
Yes. You can earn up to the SGA limit (currently $1,550 per month) while your process is pending. If you earn more than that, the SSA may deny your claim based on the assumption that you are able to work. Once approved, you have a nine-month trial work period where you can earn any amount.
How long does it take to hear back after I file?
Most initial decisions arrive within three to six months. Complex cases or those requiring a consultative examination may take longer. You can check your case status online through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What if my doctor says I cannot work but the SSA denies me?
A doctor's statement that you cannot work helps your case, but the SSA makes its own information based on whether your condition meets their medical standards. If you are denied, request reconsideration and submit additional medical evidence, such as recent test results or updated treatment notes from your doctors.
Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?
You do not need a lawyer to file for SSDI. The initial process and reconsideration process can be handled on your own. However, if you are denied twice and request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, many people find that a disability representative or attorney improves their chances of approval.
What happens if I am approved—when do I start receiving money?
Your benefits usually start the month after you are found disabled. If your condition began before you filed, you may receive back pay for the months between when your disability started and when your benefits begin. The SSA will explain the exact amount and timing in your approval letter.