The Basic Steps to explore for SSDI

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your medical records and work history ready. You do not need a lawyer to start the process, though you can hire one later if you want help.

When you explore, you will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of doctors and hospitals that have treated you. You will also need to describe your medical condition, when it started, and how it stops you from working. Social Security will then order your medical records directly from your providers—you do not have to collect them yourself, though you can speed things up by sending them in.

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. That office reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. The decision usually takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if DDS needs more information from your doctors.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online, by phone, or in person; online is fastest if you have your medical records and work history ready.
  • Social Security will request your medical records from your doctors—you do not have to collect them, though sending them in early can speed up the decision.
  • Your state's Disability information Services office makes the decision, not Social Security directly, and the process usually takes 3 to 6 months.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can file a reconsideration request within 60 days, and then appeal to an administrative law judge if reconsideration is also denied.
  • You can work while your process is being reviewed; SSDI has work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away.

What Medical Evidence You Need to Provide

Social Security does not decide your case based on what you say about your condition—it decides based on medical records from doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have actually examined or treated you. When you explore, list every doctor, specialist, hospital, and clinic that has seen you for your condition. Include the dates you were seen and what was treated. Social Security will contact them and request your records.

The records that matter most are recent ones—typically from the past three months. If you have not seen a doctor in a long time, Social Security may deny your claim because there is no current medical evidence. If that happens, you can file a reconsideration and include new medical records, or you can see a doctor and then appeal. Some people find it helpful to send in records themselves along with their process, especially if they know their doctor's office is slow to respond.

If you cannot afford to see a doctor, tell Social Security that when you explore. In some cases, Social Security will pay for a consultative examination—a one-time visit with a doctor Social Security chooses—to gather the medical evidence needed to make a decision.

How Your Work History Affects Your process

To receive SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. Most people need 40 credits total, with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before they became disabled. You earn one credit for each $1,730 of wages (in 2024; this amount changes each year), up to four credits per year. If you worked full-time for several years, you almost certainly have enough credits.

When you explore, Social Security already has your work history on file because your employer has been reporting your wages. You do not need to prove your work history yourself. However, if you worked under a different name, worked for cash, or worked outside the United States, tell Social Security so they can search for those records. If they cannot find your work history, you may need to provide old tax returns or W-2 forms.

If you do not have enough work credits, you cannot receive SSDI. In that case, you might be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program that does not require work credits. SSI has its own rules and limits on income and resources.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once you submit your process online, by phone, or in person, Social Security sends you a confirmation letter with your process number. Keep this number—you will use it to check the status of your case. You can check your status anytime on ssa.gov by signing into your my Social Security account, or you can call 1-800-772-1213.

Your state's Disability information Services office will contact your doctors to request your medical records. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once DDS has your records, a disability examiner and a medical or psychological consultant review them to see whether your condition meets Social Security's rules. They are looking for medical evidence that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from doing any kind of work for at least 12 months or result in death.

If DDS needs more information—for example, if your medical records are incomplete or if they want a specialist's opinion—they will contact your doctor or order a consultative examination. This can add weeks to the process. Once DDS makes a decision, they send you a letter explaining whether you were approved or denied and why.

Understanding Denial and How to Appeal

About 65 to 70 percent of first applications are denied. This does not mean your condition is not serious—it usually means Social Security believes the medical evidence does not show that your condition meets their specific rules, or that you can still do some kind of work. A denial is not final.

If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file a reconsideration request. This sends your case to a different examiner at DDS who reviews it from scratch. You can include new medical evidence with your reconsideration—for example, records from a recent doctor visit or a new test result. About 10 to 15 percent of reconsideration cases are approved.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. You can bring a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to help you. About 40 to 50 percent of cases approved at the hearing level. After the ALJ hearing, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court, though very few cases go that far.

Working While Your process Is Being Reviewed

You can work while Social Security is reviewing your process. If you earn money, it does not automatically disqualify you or delay your decision. However, Social Security looks at your work activity as part of deciding whether you are disabled. If you are working full-time and earning substantial income, Social Security may conclude that you can work and deny your claim.

SSDI has work incentives designed to let you test whether you can return to work without losing your benefits when ready. The most important one is the Trial Work Period, which lets you work and earn any amount for 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) without affecting your SSDI payment. After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period, during which you can still receive benefits in any month you earn less than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount—$1,550 per month in 2024 for non-blind individuals (this amount changes each year).

If you plan to work while your process is pending, tell Social Security about it. Work activity can complicate your case, but it does not disqualify you, and the work incentives protect you if you are approved.

Preparing Your process Before You Start

Before you explore, gather these documents: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and a list of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you. Include dates and what was treated. If you have recent medical records at home, scan or photograph them so you can upload them with your online process or bring them to your local office.

Write down your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, employers, dates worked, and the type of work you did. Social Security has this information already, but having it written down helps you answer questions accurately during the process. If you worked for cash or outside the United States, note that too.

If you are explore by phone or in person, call ahead or check ssa.gov to find your local Social Security office and confirm their hours. Online applications can be started anytime and do not require an appointment. If you need help with the process, you can ask a trusted family member, a legal aid organization, or a disability advocate to information you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes. You can work while your process is being reviewed, and work does not automatically disqualify you. However, if you are working full-time and earning substantial income, Social Security may decide you can work and deny your claim. SSDI work incentives protect you if you are approved—you can test your ability to work for 9 months without losing benefits.

How long does it take to get a decision on my SSDI process?

Most decisions take 3 to 6 months from the time you submit your process. The timeline depends on how quickly your doctors respond to Social Security's requests for records and whether DDS needs additional medical evidence. Complex cases or cases that require a consultative examination can take longer.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing before an administrative law judge, having a lawyer or representative can improve your chances of approval. Lawyers are paid from your back pay if you win, so you do not pay upfront.

What if Social Security says I do not have enough work credits?

If you do not have 40 credits total or 20 credits in the past 10 years, you cannot receive SSDI. You may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program that does not require work credits. SSI has income and resource limits, and the payment is usually smaller than SSDI.

Can I check the status of my SSDI process online?

Yes. Sign into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and select "Check process Status." You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your process number. Your confirmation letter has your process number on it.