The Nevada process Process

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of Nevada. Nevada does not run its own disability program. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes all applications the same way nationwide. However, Nevada has specific resources and timing considerations that affect how long your case takes and what support you can access while waiting for a decision.

Most people explore from Nevada will use one of three routes: the online process (fastest for straightforward cases), a phone appointment with Social Security, or a walk-in visit to a local office. The online route typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return later.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to Nevada, using ssa.gov, the phone number 1-800-772-1213, or your local Social Security office.
  • The process asks for your medical records, work history, and current symptoms; Social Security will request medical evidence directly from your doctors if you give permission.
  • Nevada has five Social Security offices (in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Sparks) where you can explore in person or by appointment.
  • After you explore, your case goes to the Nevada Disability information Services office in Carson City, which makes the initial decision within 30 to 90 days.
  • If you are denied, you can request reconsideration or appeal; Nevada legal aid organizations can help you file an appeal at no cost.

What You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you are self-employed, bring your last two years of tax returns.

You will also need a list of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition in the past three years. Include their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Social Security will contact them directly to request your medical records, so accuracy matters.

If you have worked in the past 15 years, write down the names and dates of your employers and the type of work you did. Social Security uses this to determine whether you have enough work credits to may have access to for SSDI (you need 40 credits, earned over at least 10 years, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years).

explore Online, by Phone, or In Person

Online process: Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and create a my Social Security account if you do not have one. The form takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save it and return later. You will upload documents or tell Social Security where to request them from your doctors. This is the fastest route if your case is straightforward.

Phone process: Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time. A representative will walk you through the questions and can answer questions about what documents you need. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. You can also request a callback instead of waiting on hold.

In-person process: Visit your nearest Nevada Social Security office. Las Vegas has two offices (one on East Flamingo Road and one on South Durango Drive). Reno, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Sparks each have one office. You can walk in during business hours or call ahead to schedule an appointment, which usually moves faster. Bring all documents listed above.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Nevada Disability information Services (DDS) office in Carson City. This office, not Social Security itself, makes the initial decision on whether you meet the medical criteria for disability.

The DDS office will request your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days, though cases with incomplete medical records take longer. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your case after 30 days.

During this time, you will receive a notice in the mail telling you that your case has been received and what happens next. Keep this notice. If Social Security needs more information from you, they will contact you by mail or phone.

If You Are Denied

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

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. This is a second review by a different examiner at the Nevada DDS office. You can submit new medical records or a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition is disabling. Reconsideration decisions take another 30 to 90 days.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people win their cases. You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial letter to file. At this stage, many people hire a disability lawyer or representative. Nevada legal aid organizations, including Nevada Legal Services and the Community Law Center, can represent you at no cost if you meet income limits.

Nevada Resources While You Wait

If you are waiting for a decision and have very low income and resources, you may be able to receive SSI payments when ready while your SSDI case is pending. SSI is a needs-based program separate from SSDI. Ask Social Security whether you may have access to when you explore.

Nevada also has a Medicaid program for people with disabilities that may cover you while you wait. Contact the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services at 1-888-901-3212 to learn whether you may have access to based on your income and disability status.

If you are working or considering work while your case is pending, Social Security has work incentive programs that let you earn money without losing your benefits. The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) are two examples. Ask Social Security about these when you explore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wait to explore because you think your case is not strong enough. The longer you wait, the older your medical records become, and Social Security may not have evidence of your condition at the time you explore. explore as soon as you believe you cannot work.

Do not list doctors or hospitals you have not actually visited. Social Security will contact them and discover the discrepancy, which can hurt your credibility. Stick to providers who have actually treated you.

Do not assume that because you have a diagnosis, you will be approved. Social Security approves based on how your condition affects your ability to work, not on the diagnosis itself. Make sure your doctors' records describe your limitations in detail—pain levels, how long you can sit or stand, whether you can concentrate, and how often you have symptoms.

Do not miss the 60-day important date to appeal a denial. Once 60 days pass, you lose your right to appeal and must start a new process from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a green card (lawful permanent resident status) or are a refugee or asylee. You will need to show proof of your immigration status. Undocumented immigrants do not may have access to for SSDI or SSI, but some may may have access to for emergency Medicaid in Nevada.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions from the Nevada DDS office usually take 30 to 90 days. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another 30 to 90 days. If you appeal to a hearing, wait times are typically 6 to 12 months, depending on how busy the ALJ's office is.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer to appeal?

You do not need a lawyer, and many people win appeals without one. However, if you want representation, Nevada Legal Services and the Community Law Center represent people at no cost if your income is below 125 percent of the federal poverty line. You can also hire a disability lawyer on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win.

Can I work while my disability case is pending?

Yes. You can earn money and still receive SSDI or SSI. Social Security has work incentive programs that let you keep some of your benefits while you work. The amount you can earn varies. Ask Social Security about the Student Earned Income Exclusion, PASS, or IRWE when you explore.

What if I move out of Nevada while my case is pending?

Your case will continue to be processed by the Nevada DDS office even if you move. Tell Social Security your new address so they can mail you notices. You can still appeal or request a hearing, and you can do so in your new state.