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, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people start online because you can do it at your own pace and keep a record of what you submitted. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready.

Before you start, gather your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment. You will also need employment history for the past 15 years, including the names and addresses of employers. If you do not have all of these yet, you can still begin the process—Social Security will tell you what else they need.

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

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office, and online is usually fastest because you control the pace.
  • Have your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and 15 years of work history before you start.
  • Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office, which makes the approval or denial decision.
  • The decision process takes 3 to 6 months on average, and you can request reconsideration if you are denied.
  • You can work with a disability representative or attorney to help with your case, and they only get paid if you win.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Social Security needs proof of who you are and proof that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Bring your Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID, and your birth certificate. If you were not born in the United States, you will also need proof of citizenship or legal residency—a passport, green card, or naturalization papers all work.

You will need medical records that show your condition, when it started, and what treatment you have received. This means doctor visit notes, test results, hospital discharge papers, and medication lists. If you see a therapist or psychiatrist, include those records too. Social Security uses these to understand how your condition limits what you can do.

Gather your work history for the past 15 years. Write down the names and addresses of each employer, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. Social Security uses this to calculate how much you paid into the system and to determine when your disability began.

explore Online at SSA.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" in the main menu. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. Once you are logged in, start the SSDI process.

The online form asks about your medical condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work. It asks about your doctors and hospitals, your medications, and your work history. You can save your progress and come back later—the system holds your answers for 60 days. At the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully before you submit.

After you submit online, you will get a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Social Security will mail you a notice within two weeks confirming they received your process. If you do not hear anything after three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

explore by Phone or In Person

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your medical care and work history. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 for the address and hours. Bring all your documents with you. You can make an appointment ahead of time, which usually means a shorter wait. Walk-ins are accepted but may have a longer wait time. The office visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, you will receive a notice in the mail confirming your process and what Social Security received. Check this notice carefully. If anything is wrong or missing, call Social Security right away to correct it.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Your process goes to your state's Disability information Services office. This is a state agency that works with Social Security to review disability cases. A team there—usually a doctor and a disability examiner—reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's strict definition of disability.

Social Security's definition of disability is narrow: your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months, or it must be expected to result in death. The DDS office may ask your doctors for more information or order a medical exam at Social Security's expense. If they need more evidence, they will contact you by mail.

Most decisions come within 3 to 6 months. You will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied. If you were approved, the notice will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

Working with a Disability Representative or Attorney

You can hire someone to help you with your SSDI case. This person can be a disability representative, attorney, or accredited advocate. They can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing if you are denied, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf. Many people find this helpful, especially if their case is complex or if they are denied the first time.

The representative or attorney only gets paid if you win your case. Their fee comes from your back pay—the money Social Security owes you from the date your disability began until the date you were approved. The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200 (this amount may change). You do not pay anything upfront.

To find a representative, visit ssa.gov/representation or call 1-800-772-1213. Social Security keeps a list of approved representatives in your area. You can also contact disability advocacy organizations in your state—many offer free help or low-cost help to people explore for benefits.

What to Do If You Are Denied

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to request reconsideration. This means a different examiner at DDS will review your case from the start. You have 60 days from the date on your denial notice to request reconsideration. Send a written request to the address on your notice, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by phone.

When you request reconsideration, send any new medical evidence you have gathered since your first process. This might be recent doctor visit notes, test results, or a letter from your doctor explaining how your condition has worsened. New evidence gives the examiner a reason to look at your case differently.

If you are denied again after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people win at the hearing stage. You have 60 days from your second denial notice to request a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while Social Security reviews your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (this amount changes each year), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security if asked.

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

Your monthly benefit amount depends on your age when you became disabled and how much you earned during your working years. Social Security calculates this based on your earnings record. The average SSDI payment is around $1,200 to $1,400 per month, but this varies widely. You will see your estimated amount in your approval notice.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You can still explore. Social Security will contact your doctors and hospitals to request records on your behalf. This takes longer—sometimes several weeks—but it is free. Give Social Security the names and addresses of all the doctors and hospitals that have treated you, and they will reach out to collect the records.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer or representative. Many people do. A representative is most helpful if your case is denied and you are appealing, or if your medical history is complicated and you need help organizing the evidence.

What if I move to a different state while my process is being reviewed?

Tell Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office and give them your new address. Your case will be transferred to the Disability information Services office in your new state, but the review process continues without delay.