The first step: decide which program fits your situation

Social Security runs two separate disability programs, and which one you explore for depends on your work history. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with little or no work history, or very low income and resources right now. Some people are old enough to explore for both at the same time.

If you worked for at least five of the last ten years and paid into Social Security, SSDI is your path. If you have not worked much, or stopped working years ago and have almost no savings, SSI may be what you need. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can tell you which program you might reach based on your age and work record — you do not have to guess.

Your medical condition must meet Social Security's definition of disability: it must prevent you from doing substantial work, last at least 12 months, and be severe enough that it could result in death. The SSA does not decide this on your word alone. They will ask for medical records, test results, and statements from your doctors.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI requires a work history; SSI does not, but SSI has strict income and resource limits that SSDI does not have.
  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • The SSA will ask for your medical records, so gather doctor names, hospital visits, test results, and medications before you start.
  • The entire process from process to a first decision usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.
  • If you are denied, you can appeal; most people who appeal with a lawyer win at the hearing stage.

Where and how to submit your process

You have three ways to explore: online, by phone, or in person. Online is usually fastest because you can fill it out at your own pace and the SSA processes it when ready. Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready.

If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. They will ask you questions over the phone and file your process on the spot. Wait times are often long, so call early in the week if you can.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment and ask to explore. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, driver's license, or state ID). Bring the same medical information you would need for an online or phone process.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you explore, whether online, by phone, or in person. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Have your current address and phone number ready, and the names and phone numbers of your doctors and hospitals.

The SSA will ask about your medical condition in detail. Write down the names of all medications you take, when you started each one, and what it is for. List every doctor, specialist, and mental health provider you have seen in the past year, along with the dates of your visits. If you have had hospital stays, surgery, imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), or lab work, note the dates and what was found.

If you worked recently, have your most recent pay stubs and tax returns ready. The SSA needs to know your earnings history to calculate your benefit amount if you are found to have a disability. If you are explore for SSI, also gather proof of your current income and resources: bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, utility bills, and any other income you receive.

What happens after you submit your process

Once you submit, the SSA sends your process to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. This is a separate agency that reviews medical evidence and decides whether you meet Social Security's disability rules. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you your process was received and giving you a case number.

The DDS will contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records. This can take several weeks. If records are missing or incomplete, the DDS may ask you to see a doctor for an exam paid for by Social Security. You are not required to see their doctor, but if you do not, the DDS may make a decision based on incomplete information.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are found to have a disability, the notice will tell you your benefit amount and when payments start. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal.

How long the process takes and what to expect during the wait

From the day you explore to the day you receive a first decision usually takes three to six months. Some cases move faster; others take longer if medical records are hard to find or if your condition is complex. The SSA does not speed up the process if you call or visit your local office repeatedly, so plan to wait.

During this time, you can check the status of your process online if you have a my Social Security account. Log in and look for your process status. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your case number to ask for an update.

If you need money right now and cannot wait, look into whether you are may be able to access for emergency information programs in your state or county. Some states offer temporary cash information or food benefits while your disability process is pending. Your local Department of Social Services or 211 can tell you what is available where you live.

What to do if your process is denied

About 65 to 70 percent of first applications are denied. This does not mean you cannot win; it means the DDS decided your medical evidence did not show that your condition met Social Security's rules at that time. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial notice to file an appeal. The first level of appeal is called reconsideration. You submit new medical evidence, updated records from your doctors, or a written statement explaining why you disagree with the decision. Reconsideration is reviewed by a different examiner at the DDS.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people who win do so. At a hearing, you can present your medical records, have your doctors write statements, and answer questions from the judge. Many people hire a lawyer at this stage. Lawyers who handle disability cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, and nothing if you lose.

Working while your process is pending

You can work while you wait for a decision, but there are limits. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are doing substantial work and deny your process. The amount changes each year. If you earn less than that, you can work and still explore.

If you are approved for SSDI, you have a trial work period of nine months during which you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After the trial work period ends, your benefits stop if you earn more than $1,550 per month, but you can still work and earn less than that amount and keep some benefits.

If you are approved for SSI, your benefit amount is reduced by one dollar for every two dollars you earn above $65 per month. So working while on SSI is possible but reduces your payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am still working?

Yes. You can work and explore at the same time. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (2024), Social Security may deny your process because they consider that substantial work. If you earn less, you can explore and potentially be found disabled.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer. Many people do. A lawyer becomes more useful if your process is denied and you are preparing for an appeal or hearing, because the hearing stage is where most people win with representation.

What if I do not have medical records?

Tell the SSA which doctors you have seen and when. They will request the records for you. If you have not seen a doctor recently, the DDS may ask you to see one for an exam they pay for. If you refuse, they may deny your process based on lack of evidence.

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

Yes, if you meet the age and work history requirements for SSDI and the income and resource limits for SSI. The SSA will process both applications together. If you are found disabled, you will receive whichever benefit is higher, or both if you are may be able to access for both.

What happens to my process if I move?

Your process stays active. Notify the SSA of your new address by calling 1-800-772-1213 or updating it in your my Social Security account. The DDS will continue processing your case and mail your decision to your new address.