The Two Routes to explore in Illinois

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the federal Social Security Administration, not through the state of Illinois. The state does not run the disability program itself, but Illinois residents can reach Social Security through three channels: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Illinois has 29 Social Security field offices spread across the state. If you live in or near Chicago, Cook County, or other major population centers, you likely have an office within 20 miles. You can find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices accept appointments by phone or through their website.

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is the fastest route for most people. It takes 15 to 20 minutes, saves you a trip, and you can save your progress and return later if you need to gather documents. The phone line (1-800-772-1213) is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, and staff can walk you through the form while you speak with them.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through the federal Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at a local Illinois Social Security office—not through any state agency.
  • The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability takes 15 to 20 minutes and lets you save your progress and return later.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment history.
  • Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request medical evidence, so you do not have to collect and submit records yourself.
  • The decision process typically takes three to five months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. You will also need proof of citizenship or legal residency—a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization document, bring a green card or other immigration document showing your status.

Gather the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition in the past three years. You do not need to collect the actual medical records yourself. Social Security will contact your providers directly and request the records. However, if you have recent test results, imaging reports, or therapy notes that you want to make sure Social Security sees, you can upload them during the process or mail them afterward.

Write down the dates you stopped working or reduced your work hours due to your condition. Social Security calls this your "onset date"—the date your disability began. This does not have to be exact, but it should be within a month or two. You will also need to list any jobs you held in the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, and approximate dates you worked there.

Completing the Online process

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and select "explore for Disability." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account requires your email address and a password. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.

The form asks for your personal information, work history, medical condition, and treatment providers. Answer each section as completely as you can, but do not worry if you do not remember exact dates—Social Security will verify details through your medical records and work history. If a question does not explore to you, leave it blank rather than guessing.

When you reach the section asking you to describe your condition and how it affects your ability to work, be specific. Instead of writing "I have back pain," write something like "I have a herniated disc in my lower back. I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain. I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. I have had two surgeries and ongoing physical therapy." The more detail you provide about what you cannot do, the clearer the picture Social Security has.

You can save your process and return to it later. Your progress is stored in your my Social Security account. When you are ready to submit, review the form one more time, then click submit. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot.

What Happens After You Submit

Social Security sends you a notice in the mail confirming that your process was received. This notice includes your process number and a list of the medical providers you named. Social Security then contacts those providers and requests your medical records. This process usually takes two to four weeks.

While Social Security is gathering records, you may receive a call or letter asking for more information. This might be a request to clarify your work history, confirm the names of your doctors, or provide additional details about your condition. Respond as soon as you can. Delays in responding can slow down your case.

Some applicants are scheduled for a consultative examination (CE). This is a medical exam paid for by Social Security, usually with a doctor or psychologist you have not seen before. Social Security schedules the exam if your medical records do not contain recent enough evidence or if they need a specific type of evaluation. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of the exam.

The decision typically comes three to five months after you submit your process. You will receive a letter in the mail stating whether you were approved, denied, or approved for a different program (such as SSI instead of SSDI). If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month.

If You Are Denied and Want to Appeal

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the denial notice. The appeal process has four levels: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court.

Most people who appeal request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At this stage, you can present new medical evidence, have a representative speak on your behalf, and question the evidence Social Security used to deny you. Hearings typically happen six to twelve months after you request one, though wait times vary by region in Illinois.

You can represent yourself at a hearing, but many people hire a disability representative or attorney. Representatives are paid only if you win—typically 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $6,000. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by asking your local Social Security office for a list.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you prefer not to explore online, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and can answer questions as you go. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end.

You can also walk into any Social Security office in Illinois without an appointment, though wait times are often long—sometimes two to three hours. If you want to avoid waiting, call ahead or use the office's online appointment system to schedule a time. Staff at the office can help you complete the process on a computer or on paper, and they can answer questions about what documents you need.

Special Situations in Illinois

If you are currently working and earning more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit for SSDI; this amount changes yearly), Social Security may deny your process based on work activity alone, even if you have a severe medical condition. However, there are work incentives that let you earn more while keeping your benefits. The Ticket to Work program and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) are two examples. If you are working, mention this when you explore so Social Security can explain your options.

If you are receiving unemployment benefits in Illinois, you can still explore for disability. However, if you are collecting unemployment, you are telling the state that you are able and willing to work, which can create a conflict with a disability claim. explore for disability as soon as you know you cannot work, rather than waiting until your unemployment runs out.

If you are a non-citizen, you may still be able to receive SSI if you have a green card or certain other immigration statuses. SSDI is available to non-citizens who have worked long enough to earn credits. Bring your immigration documents when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore online if I do not have a computer or internet at home?

Yes. You can use a computer at a public library, community center, or Social Security office. Staff at the Social Security office can also help you complete the process on their computer. Call ahead to ask about hours and whether you need an appointment.

What if I do not know the exact date my disability started?

You do not need an exact date. Give your best estimate—the month and year you stopped being able to work. Social Security will verify the date through your medical records and work history. If your records show a different date, Social Security will use the date supported by medical evidence.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. A lawyer or representative is most useful if your process is denied and you decide to appeal. At that stage, representation can improve your chances at a hearing.

How long does it take to hear back after I submit my process?

Most decisions come within three to five months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information or schedules a consultative exam. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account online.

What if I cannot afford to wait for a decision?

If you are in financial crisis, you may be able to receive emergency SSI payments while your SSDI process is being reviewed. Ask Social Security about this option when you explore. You can also look into state and local emergency information programs through your county social services office.