The basic steps to file for SSDI

You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can start an process and come back to finish it later. By phone, a representative will walk you through the questions. In person, staff can answer questions as you fill out the form together.

No matter which method you choose, you will need the same basic information: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment. You will also need to list your work history for the past 15 years, including employers and dates. Have these documents ready before you start, though you do not need to upload them when ready — Social Security will ask for them after you submit your initial form.

The entire process from filing to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether you were approved, denied, or need to provide more information. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and online is usually the fastest option.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and a list of employers from the past 15 years.
  • Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request your medical records, so you do not have to collect them yourself.
  • The decision process takes three to six months on average, and you will receive written notice by mail of the outcome.
  • If you are denied, you can file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial letter.

Filing online through ssa.gov

The online process is called iClaim, and you can start it at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You will need to create a my Social Security account first if you do not already have one — this takes about five minutes and requires your email address and a password. Once logged in, you can begin the disability process and save your progress. You do not have to finish it in one sitting.

The form asks about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors and hospitals have treated you, your work history, and your education. Answer as completely as you can, but do not worry if you do not remember exact dates — Social Security will verify details through medical records and your Social Security work history. If a question does not explore to you, you can skip it.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Social Security will use this number to track your case. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.

Filing by phone or in person

If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A 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. At the end, you will receive a confirmation number and a date when your case will be assigned to a claims examiner.

To file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the main number above. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long — calling ahead to make an appointment is faster. Bring the documents listed above, or bring a list of where to find them if you do not have originals. Staff will help you fill out the form and can answer questions about what Social Security needs.

What happens after you file

After you submit your process, a claims examiner will be assigned to your case. This person reviews your medical records, contacts your doctors if needed, and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. You do not need to do anything while this happens — Social Security contacts your medical providers directly.

If Social Security needs more information, they will send you a letter asking for it. This might be medical records from a specific doctor, a report from a hospital visit, or clarification about your work history. Respond within the important date given in the letter, usually 10 days. If you miss the important date, your case may be denied, but you can ask Social Security to reopen it if you have a good reason for the delay.

You will receive your decision by mail. The letter will say whether you were approved for benefits, denied, or approved for a different program (like Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, if you have very low income and resources). If you were approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.

Understanding the medical review process

Social Security has a list of conditions that automatically may have access to for disability — these are called the Listing of Impairments. If your condition is on this list and your medical records show you meet the specific criteria, you may be approved quickly, sometimes within two to three months. If your condition is not on the list, the examiner will look at whether it is severe enough to prevent you from working any job, not just your previous job.

The examiner will also consider your age, education, and work skills. Someone who is 55 or older with limited education may be found disabled even if they could theoretically do some work, because retraining for a new job is not realistic. Someone younger with a high school diploma and office skills may be denied even with a serious condition, if jobs exist that they could do.

You do not need to prove you cannot work — Social Security must prove you can. However, if you are still working or earning more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security will likely deny your case, because this income suggests you are able to work. The income limit changes each year.

What to do if you are denied

If Social Security denies your case, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who are initially denied eventually win on appeal, so a denial is not the end of the process.

For reconsideration, you submit new medical evidence that was not in your original file — this might be recent test results, a new doctor's statement, or records from a hospitalization. You can file for reconsideration online, by phone, or in person using the same methods as the original process. Many people hire a disability representative or lawyer at this stage, though it is not required.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where most people win their cases. You can present new evidence, have your doctor testify, and explain your condition in your own words. A judge who has seen many disability cases will make the decision, not a claims examiner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI while I am still working?

Yes, you can file while working, but Social Security will likely deny your case if you earn more than $1,550 per month (2024 limit). If you earn less than this amount, you may still be found disabled. The income limit changes each year, so check ssa.gov for the current figure.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most cases take three to six months from filing to decision. Cases involving straightforward conditions or those that match the Listing of Impairments may be decided faster. Complex cases or those requiring medical exams can take longer. You can check your case status anytime through your my Social Security account.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?

No, you can file on your own. However, many people hire a disability representative or lawyer, especially if they have been denied once. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by Social Security at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR).

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect them yourself. When you file, give Social Security the names and addresses of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you. Social Security will request the records directly from these providers. If a provider no longer has records or has closed, Social Security will note this in your file.

Can I work while receiving SSDI benefits?

Yes, but there are limits. For the first nine months after you start receiving benefits, you can earn up to $1,550 per month (2024) without losing benefits. After that, your benefits stop if you earn more than this amount. There are also work incentive programs that let you test your ability to work without when ready losing all benefits — ask Social Security about the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) or Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE).