You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) entirely online through the Social Security Administration website, starting at ssa.gov/applyfordisability.
The online path is faster than visiting an office in person — you can start at any time, save your work and return later, and receive status updates by email. You will need a computer or phone with internet access, a valid email address, and documents showing your work history, medical records, and current income or resources. The entire submission takes 15 to 30 minutes once you have gathered what you need.
The online system works the same way for both SSDI (which is based on your own work record or a family member's) and SSI (which is based on financial need). You answer the same questions, upload the same types of documents, and receive decisions through the same process. The only difference is which program you are filing under, which the form itself will ask you to choose.
Key Takeaways
- Start your filing at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, where you can create a Social Security account or sign in if you already have one.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth date, citizenship or immigration status, and contact information before you begin.
- Have your medical records, work history, and list of doctors and hospitals ready — you can upload documents or provide contact information for the Social Security Administration to request them.
- After you submit, the Social Security Administration will contact you by phone or mail within two weeks to ask follow-up questions and request any missing documents.
- The entire process from filing to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if the Social Security Administration needs additional medical evidence.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these documents and information before you open the online form. Having them ready means you will not lose your place or your saved progress while you search for something.
Personal identification: Your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. If you are not a U.S. citizen, have your immigration status document or number available.
Work history: A list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, include the name of your business and the years you operated it.
Medical information: The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Include the dates of your most recent visits. You do not need to upload medical records yourself — you can let the Social Security Administration request them directly from your providers, which often takes longer but is simpler if you do not have copies.
Financial information (for SSI only): If you are filing for SSI, have information about any bank accounts, savings, investments, or property you own. You will also need to list any income you receive, including wages, unemployment, pensions, or help from family members.
Creating Your Social Security Account
You must have a Social Security account to file online. If you already have one, sign in. If not, create one at ssa.gov before you start the disability form.
To create an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will provide your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. The Social Security Administration will send a verification email — click the link in that email within 24 hours to set up your account.
Once your account is active, sign in and go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The form will ask whether you want to file for SSDI, SSI, or both. Choose based on your situation: SSDI if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, SSI if you have little income or resources and need financial help, or both if you are unsure which you may have access to for.
Walking Through the Online Form
The form is divided into sections. You can complete it all at once or save your progress and return later — your answers will stay saved for 60 days.
Section 1: Personal information. Name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship status, and contact details. This takes about two minutes.
Section 2: Work history. List every job you have held in the past 15 years. For each job, enter the employer name, dates worked, job title, and type of work. If you have been out of work, the form will ask why. This section usually takes five to ten minutes depending on how many jobs you have held.
Section 3: Medical condition. Describe the condition or conditions that prevent you from working. Be specific — instead of "back pain," write "herniated disc in lower back causing numbness in left leg." List when the condition started and what makes it worse. Then list all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you, with dates of visits.
Section 4: Work limitations. Explain what you cannot do because of your condition. For example: "Cannot lift more than 10 pounds," "Cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without pain," or "Cannot concentrate for more than an hour." The Social Security Administration uses this to understand how your condition affects your ability to work.
Section 5: Financial information (SSI only). If you are filing for SSI, list bank accounts, savings, property, and any income you receive. This determines whether you meet SSI's financial limits.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Save or print this number — you will need it if you contact the Social Security Administration about your case.
Uploading Documents Versus Letting Social Security Request Them
At the end of the form, you can upload documents or authorize the Social Security Administration to request them from your providers.
Upload documents yourself if: You have copies of recent medical records, test results, or hospital discharge summaries. Uploading speeds up the process because the Social Security Administration does not have to wait for providers to respond. You can upload PDFs, JPGs, or PNGs. The system accepts files up to 100 MB each.
Let Social Security request them if: You do not have copies or do not want to gather them yourself. Provide the name, address, and phone number of each provider. The Social Security Administration will contact them directly. This takes longer — usually two to four weeks — but requires less work from you.
You can do both: upload what you have and let the Social Security Administration request anything else. This is often the fastest approach.
What Happens After You Submit
Within two weeks of submitting your form, a Social Security representative will contact you by phone or mail. They will ask follow-up questions about your medical condition, your work history, and your daily activities. They may also ask you to provide documents you did not upload or to sign a form authorizing them to contact your doctors.
Respond to every request from the Social Security Administration. If they ask for documents, send them within the timeframe they give you — usually 10 days. If you miss the important date, your case may be delayed or denied.
The Social Security Administration will also request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This can take several weeks. Once they have all the information, they will send your case to a medical examiner (for SSDI) or a disability examiner (for SSI) who will make a decision.
You can check the status of your case anytime by signing into your Social Security account and selecting "View your process status." You will see whether the Social Security Administration is still gathering information, reviewing your case, or has made a decision.
Timeline From Filing to Decision
| Stage | Typical timeframe | What happens |
| Initial review | 2 weeks | Social Security contacts you to confirm information and request missing documents. |
| Medical records gathering | 2 to 4 weeks | Social Security requests records from your doctors and hospitals. |
| Case review | 4 to 8 weeks | A medical or disability examiner reviews all information and makes a decision. |
| Total from filing to decision | 3 to 6 months | Some cases take longer if additional medical evidence is needed. |
These timeframes are typical but not may provide. Cases involving complex medical conditions or incomplete documentation take longer. You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 if your case has been pending for more than six months without a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file online if I do not have a computer?
You can file by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking to file for disability benefits. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit your process. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, though online and phone filing are usually faster.
What if I do not have all my medical records?
You do not need to have them before you file. Provide the names and contact information of your doctors and hospitals, and the Social Security Administration will request the records for you. This takes longer than uploading them yourself, but it is not a reason to delay filing.
Can I file for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes. The online form lets you select both programs. The Social Security Administration will review you for both and determine which one you may have access to for based on your work history and financial situation. Filing for both does not hurt your chances for either.
What happens if the Social Security Administration denies my claim?
You have the right to appeal. You will receive a notice explaining why you were denied. You can request reconsideration, which means a different examiner will review your case. You can also request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Appeals must be requested within 60 days of the denial notice.
Will filing online affect my chances of being approved?
No. The Social Security Administration reviews online applications the same way it reviews applications filed by phone or in person. The only difference is speed — online filing is usually faster because you can submit everything at once and the Social Security Administration has a clear record of what you submitted.