The Alabama process process follows the same federal path as every other state

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs, so you explore through Social Security, not through Alabama state offices. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Alabama has 67 Social Security field offices across the state—you can find the one nearest you by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator.

The process itself asks about your medical condition, work history, and current income. It takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete. You do not need a lawyer to explore, though some people hire one later if their case is denied. Social Security will contact you if they need more information from your doctors or employers.

Processing time varies. Initial decisions usually come within 3 to 6 months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records. You will receive a written decision in the mail, not by phone or email.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security (federal), not to Alabama, by visiting ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or going to your local field office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records from your doctors, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is the fastest route and you can save your progress and return to it later.
  • After you explore, Social Security contacts your doctors directly for medical evidence—you do not have to collect and mail records yourself.
  • Initial decisions take 3 to 6 months; if denied, you can request reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin your process. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance Social Security will ask you to resubmit information.

Identity and citizenship: Your Social Security number and birth certificate (or passport). If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.

Medical records: The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition in the past year. You do not need to collect the actual records—Social Security will request them directly from each provider. However, if you have recent test results, imaging reports, or specialist letters, having those handy can speed things up.

Work history: A list of 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, bring records of your income and business expenses.

Income information: Recent pay stubs, tax returns (if self-employed), and bank statements showing any other income you receive. If you have a spouse or live with someone whose income counts toward SSI limits, bring their income information too.

Three ways to explore in Alabama

Online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability: This is the fastest method. You can complete the form over several sessions—Social Security saves your progress so you do not have to finish in one sitting. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit. This route works for both SSDI and SSI.

By phone: Call Social Security's national number, 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. A representative will walk you through the questions and submit your process. You will receive a confirmation number by mail.

In person at your local field office: Walk in during business hours or call ahead to schedule an appointment. Field offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. Bring all documents listed above. This method is useful if you need help reading forms or have questions during the process, but it usually takes longer than explore online.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends you a receipt notice within two weeks confirming they received your process. This notice includes your case number—save it. You can use this number to check the status of your case online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

A Social Security examiner (called a disability examiner) is assigned to your case. They request medical records from every doctor and hospital you listed. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. You do not need to do anything during this time—Social Security contacts the providers directly.

The examiner reviews your medical records and work history to decide whether your condition prevents you from working. They may order a consultative exam (a one-time appointment with a doctor Social Security pays for) if your records do not contain recent enough medical evidence. Social Security will tell you where and when to go if this happens.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If approved, the letter explains when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration or appeal.

Differences between SSDI and SSI in Alabama

Both programs are for people with disabilities, but they have different rules about work history and income.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your own work record. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years—usually 5 of the past 10 years, though the exact requirement depends on your age. There is no income or asset limit; you can have savings, own a home, or be married without affecting your benefits. You explore using the same form as SSI.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with low income and few assets, regardless of work history. You can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (this limit varies slightly year to year). Your monthly income must be below a certain amount—in Alabama, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual in 2024, though this changes annually. You can work part-time and still receive SSI, as long as your earnings stay below the limit. You explore using the same form as SSDI.

Many people are turned down for SSDI because they do not have enough work history, but they may still may have access to for SSI. Social Security will evaluate you for both programs automatically when you explore.

What to do if your process is denied

About 65 to 70 percent of initial applications are denied. A denial does not mean you are ineligible—it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working at that moment.

You have three options: request reconsideration, file an appeal, or reapply. You must act within 60 days of receiving the denial letter, though you can ask Social Security for an extension.

Reconsideration: A different examiner reviews your case from the start. You can submit new medical records or additional information about your condition. This takes 2 to 4 months. About 10 to 15 percent of reconsideration requests are approved.

Hearing before an administrative law judge: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. A judge who works for Social Security (but is independent from the initial decision) listens to your case and makes a new decision. You can bring a lawyer, a representative, or a family member to the hearing. Hearings in Alabama are held in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville. Wait time for a hearing is typically 6 to 12 months. About 40 to 50 percent of cases approved at the hearing level.

Many people hire a lawyer after denial because the hearing process is more formal. Lawyers are paid only if you win—they receive 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not hurt your SSDI process. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), it may affect an SSI process. Social Security counts your work as evidence that you can work, but they focus on whether your medical condition prevents you from working, not on whether you are currently working.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own at no cost. Many people are approved without a lawyer. However, if your process is denied and you request a hearing, having a lawyer or representative increases your chances of approval. You only pay them if you win.

What if I move out of Alabama during my process?

Your case stays with Social Security and continues processing. You do not have to reapply. If you move to another state, your case transfers to the field office in your new state, but the process does not restart.

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

SSDI payments are based on your lifetime earnings record, so the amount varies by person. The average SSDI payment is around $1,550 per month, but yours could be higher or lower. SSI payments in Alabama are set by federal law and are lower than SSDI. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. When you explore, Social Security evaluates you for both programs automatically. If you do not have enough work history for SSDI but meet the income and asset limits for SSI, you may be approved for SSI only. Some people receive both programs together.