The Connecticut process Process

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, not through the state of Connecticut. Connecticut does not run its own disability program—you file with Social Security using the same forms and rules as every other state. The process itself can be started online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

The Social Security Administration maintains a field office in most Connecticut towns. You can find yours by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Many people start their process online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, which is faster than waiting for an appointment and lets you save your progress and return later. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to begin over the phone or to schedule an in-person appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You file with the Social Security Administration directly, not with Connecticut; use ssa.gov/applyfordisability to start online or call 1-800-772-1213 to explore by phone or 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 detailed questions about your work history, daily activities, and how your condition limits you; be specific about what you cannot do, not just what you have.
  • Connecticut residents can contact the Connecticut Disability Rights Center for free help understanding the process or appealing a denial.
  • Processing typically takes three to six months for an initial decision; if denied, you can request reconsideration or file an appeal.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate (or passport), and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. If you were born outside the United States, bring your green card, visa, or other immigration document showing your status.

You will also need medical records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated your condition. This includes the dates of visits, test results, diagnoses, medications prescribed, and notes about how the condition affects your daily life and ability to work. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may ask you to get a medical exam at their expense before they make a decision.

Bring work history information: the names and addresses of employers you have worked for in the past 15 years, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. You will also need your bank account information if you are explore for SSI, because Social Security needs to verify your income and resources.

What the process Form Asks

The main form is called the process for Disability Insurance Benefits (Form SSA-16). It asks for basic information: your name, address, phone number, and work history. It also asks about your medical condition—when it started, what doctors you have seen, and what medications you take.

A separate form, the Function Report (Form SSA-3373-BK), asks you to describe a typical day: how you get out of bed, whether you can cook or clean, how far you can walk, whether you can concentrate on tasks, and how your condition affects your ability to work. This is where you explain what you cannot do, not just what your diagnosis is. For example, instead of writing "I have back pain," write "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain, and I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds."

If you have worked recently, you may also fill out the Work History Report (Form SSA-3665), which asks about the physical and mental demands of each job you held. Be honest about what the job required and what you actually did day to day.

Online, Phone, or In-Person: Which Route Is Fastest

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is usually the fastest route. You can complete it in one sitting or save your progress and return later. You do not need to upload documents during the online process—Social Security will request them after you submit. The online form takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your information ready.

explore by phone (1-800-772-1213) takes about the same time and works well if you prefer to talk through your answers. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and can clarify anything you are unsure about. You will still need to mail or bring in your medical records and other documents afterward.

In-person appointments at your local Social Security office take longer—often 45 minutes to an hour—because you have to wait for an available representative. However, if you need help understanding the questions or have complex work history, an in-person appointment can be worth the wait. You can bring your documents with you and hand them over directly instead of mailing them.

What Happens After You Submit

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a receipt notice with a case number. Keep this number—you will use it to check the status of your case online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Social Security will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. If you have not seen a doctor in a long time or your records do not fully describe how your condition limits you, Social Security may schedule you for a Consultative Examination (CE) at no cost to you. A doctor they hire will examine you and send a report to Social Security.

An examiner at Social Security reviews all your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets their definition of disability. This typically takes three to six months. If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you or your doctor. If they approve you, they send a notice with your benefit amount and start date. If they deny you, the notice explains why and tells you how to appeal.

Connecticut Resources for Help During the process

The Connecticut Disability Rights Center (CDRC) offers free help to people explore for or appealing Social Security disability. You can reach them at 860-297-4300 or through their website at ct-drc.org. They can explain what documents you need, help you understand a denial letter, and represent you at an appeal hearing if necessary.

Connecticut also has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project run by the Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services. WIPA counselors explain how working affects your benefits, help you understand work incentives like the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid while you work. Call 860-424-4881 to reach your local WIPA office.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Video Relay Service (VRS) or TTY relay to call Social Security at 1-800-325-0778. If English is not your first language, Social Security can provide an interpreter during your appointment or phone call.

If Your process Is 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 meets their definition of disability at that time. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial notice to request reconsideration. This is a second review of your case by a different examiner. You can submit new medical records, a new statement from your doctor, or additional information about how your condition affects your work. Many people's cases are approved on reconsideration if they provide stronger medical evidence.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many people's cases are approved. At a hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions, and have a representative (lawyer or advocate) speak on your behalf. The Connecticut Disability Rights Center can help you prepare for a hearing or represent you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can work and earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) and still be considered disabled. If you earn more than that, Social Security may find that you are capable of substantial work and deny your process. The limit changes each year, so ask Social Security what the current limit is when you explore.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months. If Social Security needs a medical exam or more records from your doctor, it can take longer. You can check the status of your case online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213 using your case number.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. However, a lawyer or advocate can help you gather medical evidence, prepare your statement, and represent you if your case is denied and you appeal. The Connecticut Disability Rights Center offers free representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer.

What if I do not have recent medical records?

Tell Social Security when you submit your process. They may schedule you for a Consultative Examination with a doctor they hire. You do not pay for this exam. However, if you have not seen a doctor in years, Social Security may ask you to see one at your own cost before they make a decision, or they may deny your process because there is not enough evidence of your current condition.

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 but have low income and resources, you may may have access to for SSI instead. You can file for both on the same process, and Social Security will evaluate you for each program. The rules and benefit amounts are different, so ask which program you might may have access to for when you explore.