What happens when you file for SSDI

When you file for SSDI, you are submitting a formal request to Social Security to review your medical condition and work history. The agency will examine your medical records, determine whether your condition meets their definition of disability, and decide whether you have worked enough to be insured. This process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.

You do not need a lawyer to file. You can start the process yourself online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The form you submit is called the process for Disability Insurance Benefits, and it asks for basic information about your health, your work history, and your doctors.

Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request your medical records. You do not have to collect these yourself, though you can speed things up by providing them. The agency will also look at your earnings record to confirm you have worked long enough to be covered.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • The form you need is the process for Disability Insurance Benefits, and Social Security will contact your doctors for medical records on your behalf.
  • The process usually takes three to six months from the date you file, though some cases are decided faster or slower.
  • You can file even if you are still working, as long as your earnings are below the substantial gainful activity limit set by Social Security each year.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with new medical evidence have a better chance of approval.

Filing online through your Social Security account

The fastest way to file is online at ssa.gov. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account lets you start your process, save your progress, and check the status of your claim without calling or visiting an office.

To create an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity—usually a driver's license or state ID. Once your account is set up, you can begin the disability process at any time and finish it later if you need to.

The online form asks for your medical history, the names and addresses of your doctors, dates you stopped working, and details about your work history. You do not need to have all this information memorized. Social Security will contact your doctors directly, so you only need to provide their names and the dates you saw them.

After you submit the form online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save it. You can use this number to check your process status anytime by logging back into your account.

Filing by phone or in person

If you prefer not to file online, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone and can answer questions as you go. The call usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator or call the same number. Walk-in hours vary by location, but many offices now require you to make an appointment. Calling ahead prevents a long wait.

Whether you file by phone or in person, you will still receive a confirmation number. Ask for it before you hang up or leave the office. This number is how you track your case.

What information you will need to provide

Social Security will ask you to describe your medical condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work. You do not need to use medical language—describe it in your own words. For example, instead of saying "lumbar radiculopathy," you can say "pain in my lower back that shoots down my leg and makes it hard to stand for more than 20 minutes."

You will also need to list your doctors and the dates you saw them. You do not need to have their phone numbers or addresses memorized; Social Security can look these up. However, if you have a recent medical report or test result, you can upload it to your online account or bring it to the office. This can speed up the review.

Social Security will ask about your work history for the past 15 years. Have your last few pay stubs or tax returns handy. You will need to list the jobs you held, the dates you worked, and roughly how much you earned. If you are still working, be honest about your current earnings and hours.

You will also need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a driver's license or state ID. If you do not have these documents, Social Security can sometimes work with alternatives—ask when you file.

What happens after you file

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). This agency reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. DDS is separate from Social Security itself, though they work together.

DDS will contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records. This usually takes two to four weeks. If your doctors are slow to respond, the process takes longer. You can help by calling your doctors' offices and asking them to send records to DDS as soon as possible.

Once DDS has your medical records, a doctor or psychologist employed by the state reviews them. They decide whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from doing any work. This review usually takes another four to eight weeks.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. The letter will say whether you were approved, denied, or approved for a different program. If you were approved, it will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

How long the process takes

Most decisions come within three to six months of filing. Some come faster—a few weeks if your medical records are clear and your case is straightforward. Others take longer, especially if your doctors are slow to send records or if DDS needs more information.

You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The status will tell you whether Social Security is still reviewing your case, whether they are waiting for medical records, or whether a decision has been made.

If you do not hear anything after six months, call Social Security. Sometimes mail gets lost, or a case gets delayed without notice. Calling can help identify the problem and move things forward.

What to do if you are denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You do not lose anything by appealing—you keep your case open and can submit new medical evidence. Most people who appeal with recent medical records or test results have a better outcome than their first decision.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. The appeal is called a Request for Reconsideration. You can file it online, by phone, or in person using the same methods you used to file your original claim.

When you appeal, submit any new medical evidence you have gathered since your first process. This might be a recent doctor's visit, a new test result, or a detailed letter from your doctor describing how your condition has worsened. New evidence gives the reviewer a reason to look at your case differently.

If you are denied again after your first appeal, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process, and many people hire a lawyer at this stage. A lawyer can review your case and help you prepare for the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes. You can file even if you are currently working, as long as your monthly earnings are below the substantial gainful activity limit. In 2024, this limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals, though this amount changes each year. If you earn more than this, Social Security may deny your claim, but you can still file and see what happens.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?

No. You can file on your own without a lawyer. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing, many people find a lawyer helpful. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they take a percentage of your back pay.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect your medical records before you file. Social Security will request them from your doctors on your behalf. However, if you have recent records or test results, uploading them to your online account or bringing them to the office can speed up the process.

How much will I receive each month if I am approved?

Your monthly benefit amount depends on your lifetime earnings record. Social Security calculates this based on how much you paid into the system through payroll taxes. You can see an estimate of your benefit amount by logging into your my Social Security account and viewing your earnings record.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you paid. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. You may be told you do not may have access to for SSDI but do may have access to for SSI. These are two separate programs with different rules.