Where to Start Your process

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, not through the state of South Carolina. The state does not run the disability program itself — Social Security does — but South Carolina has local Social Security offices where you can explore in person, and you can also explore online or by phone from anywhere.

The fastest route is usually to start online at ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account. From there you can begin an process without leaving home, save your progress, and return to it later. If you prefer to speak with someone first, call Social Security's national line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to start an process over the phone. If you want to explore in person, you can visit a Social Security office in your area — South Carolina has offices in most cities, and you can find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

You do not need a lawyer or representative to start. You can add one later if your case is denied and you file an appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to South Carolina, by going online at ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment history.
  • The process asks about your work history, your medical condition, what you cannot do because of that condition, and any treatment you have received.
  • Social Security typically takes three to five months to make an initial decision, though some cases take longer if they need more medical information.
  • If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with medical evidence eventually receive benefits.

What Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start, whether you explore online, by phone, or in person. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance that Social Security will ask you to come back later.

Identity and citizenship: Your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. A passport, green card, or state ID works for citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization papers or visa.

Medical records: This is the most important part. Bring records from every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated you for the condition that prevents you from working. Include test results, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), lab work, and notes from your doctors about what they found and what treatment they gave you. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may ask you to get a medical exam before they decide your case.

Work history: A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the names of employers, dates you worked there, and what you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or records showing your income.

The Online process Process

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and select "explore for Disability." You will create a my Social Security account using your email address and a password. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo ID.

Once you are logged in, the process has several sections. You will enter your personal information, your work history, your medical condition, and what activities you cannot do because of that condition. The form asks specific questions: Can you lift, carry, sit, stand, or walk for long periods? Can you concentrate on a task? Can you follow instructions? Answer honestly and in detail — vague answers slow down the review.

You can save your progress and come back to it. Social Security gives you 45 days from when you start to finish. When you submit, you will get a confirmation number. Write it down. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.

After you submit online, Social Security may ask you to upload medical records or other documents. They will send you a message in your my Social Security account telling you what they need and when they need it by. Respond quickly — delays in sending documents can delay your decision.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a Social Security representative will walk you through the process over the phone. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your medical history, work, and current symptoms. The representative will tell you what happens next and when to expect a decision.

If you go to a Social Security office in person, bring all your documents with you. An employee will help you fill out the process and may ask follow-up questions about your condition and work history. Bring more medical records than you think you need — offices can scan and upload them on the spot, which speeds up the review. Call ahead to ask if you need an appointment; some offices take walk-ins, others require you to schedule.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks. Keep this letter — it has your case number, which you will need if you call Social Security with questions.

What Social Security Reviews After You explore

Once you submit your process, a Social Security examiner will look at your medical records to see whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. They are not looking for a diagnosis alone — they are looking for evidence that your condition limits what you can do physically or mentally.

Social Security has a list of conditions called the Blue Book. If your condition matches one of those listings and your medical records show you meet the criteria, Social Security will approve you faster. You can view the Blue Book at ssa.gov/disability/bluebook. However, you do not have to match a listing to win — you can also win by showing that your condition, even if it is not on the list, prevents you from doing any work.

If Social Security needs more information, they will send you a letter asking you to get a medical exam or to have your doctor fill out a form. You do not pay for this exam — Social Security pays for it. Respond to these requests within the important date they give you, usually 10 days. Missing the important date can result in a denial.

Timeline From process to Decision

Social Security typically takes three to five months to make an initial decision on a disability case. Some cases move faster if the medical evidence is clear and complete. Others take longer if Social Security needs to order medical exams or request additional records from your doctors.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If Social Security approves you, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If they deny you, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Do not assume silence means approval. If you have not heard from Social Security within six months, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about your case status. Have your confirmation number ready.

What to Do If Social Security Denies Your process

About 65 percent of first-time applications are denied. A denial does not mean you cannot win — it means Social Security did not find enough evidence that your condition prevents you from working. Most denials happen because the medical records were incomplete or because the applicant did not explain clearly enough what they cannot do.

You have the right to appeal. The appeal process has four levels: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who appeal with stronger medical evidence or with a representative eventually receive benefits.

You must file your appeal within 60 days of the date on your denial letter. You can file online at ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. If you miss the 60-day window, you can still appeal, but you will have to explain why you were late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI, but if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are able to work and deny your process. If you are approved, you can earn up to that amount each month without losing benefits during a nine-month trial work period.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. However, if Social Security denies you and you appeal, a lawyer or representative who specializes in disability cases can improve your chances. You only pay them if you win, and they can charge no more than 25 percent of your back pay.

What if I cannot afford a doctor to get medical records?

Tell Social Security when you explore. They can order a free medical exam for you. You can also contact community health centers in South Carolina — many offer services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Call 211 to find one near you.

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

SSDI payments are based on your work history and earnings record, so the amount varies. SSI payments are the same for everyone in South Carolina unless you have other income or resources. Social Security will tell you the estimated amount when you explore.

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

Yes. If you have not worked enough to may have access to for SSDI, you may still may have access to for SSI based on your income and resources. Social Security will review you for both programs when you explore.