The Basic Path to explore in New Jersey

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of New Jersey. The state does not run the disability program — Social Security does. However, New Jersey has a Disability information Services (DDS) office that reviews your medical evidence after you submit your process, so your case will be handled locally.

You can start your process in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people find the online route fastest because you can work through it at your own pace and save your progress. If you call or visit an office, a representative will guide you through the questions, but you may wait on hold or for an appointment.

The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready. You will answer questions about your medical condition, your work history, your household, and your finances (if you are explore for SSI). Social Security will not make a decision that day — they will send your case to New Jersey's DDS office, which takes the medical records you provide and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through Social Security directly at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a local office — not through New Jersey state government.
  • New Jersey's Disability information Services office reviews your medical evidence after you explore, so your case stays in the state.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records from the doctors who have treated your condition.
  • The decision usually takes three to five months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information.
  • If you are denied, you can ask for reconsideration, then request a hearing before an administrative law judge — most people who are denied win on appeal.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin your process. You will not need to upload them all at once, but having them ready speeds up the process and prevents delays 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 naturalization papers all work. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can request one from the New Jersey Department of Health vital records office.

Medical records: The names and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated your condition in the past three years. You do not need to collect the actual records yourself — Social Security will request them from your providers. However, having the contact information ready means you will not have to search for it during your process.

Work history: A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years.

For SSI only: If you are explore for SSI (which is based on income and resources, not work history), you will also need proof of your current income, bank account statements, and information about any property or vehicles you own.

explore Online at ssa.gov

The online process is called iClaim and is the fastest way to explore. Go to ssa.gov, click "explore for Disability," and select "Start Your process Online." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one — this requires your email address and a password.

The form asks you to choose whether you are explore for SSDI (based on your own work record) or SSI (based on income and resources). If you are not sure which one you may have access to for, Social Security will figure it out as they review your case. Answer the questions about your medical condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work. Be specific: instead of "I have back pain," write "I have a herniated disc in my lower back that causes pain when I stand for more than 30 minutes."

You can save your progress and come back to finish later — the process will stay open for 30 days. When you submit it, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Social Security will mail you a notice within two weeks confirming they received your process.

explore by Phone or at a Local Office

If you prefer to explore over the phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

To explore in person, find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling the same number. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait an hour or more. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which is faster. Bring your documents with you — the representative can request medical records on your behalf right there.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, you will receive a notice in the mail confirming your process and giving you a case number. Keep this notice — you will need the case number if you call Social Security with questions about your case.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to New Jersey Disability information Services (DDS), which is part of the state's Division of Disability Services. DDS requests your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This step usually takes two to four weeks.

A disability examiner at DDS reviews your records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's strict definition of disability — meaning you cannot do any work for at least 12 months or your condition is expected to result in death. The examiner may also order a consultative exam if your medical records are incomplete. This is a free exam paid for by Social Security, usually with a doctor in your area.

The decision typically comes in the mail three to five months after you explore. If you are approved, the notice will tell you how much your monthly benefit will be and when payments start. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

If You Are Denied: The Appeal Process

Most people are denied on their first process. This does not mean you do not have a disability — it means Social Security decided your condition does not meet their specific rules, or they did not have enough medical evidence. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial notice to request reconsideration. This is a free second review by a different examiner at DDS. You can submit new medical records or a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition prevents you from working. Many people win on reconsideration if they provide stronger medical evidence.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people win. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer or non-lawyer representative. The hearing usually happens by video or phone, and you get to explain your case and answer questions. The judge then decides whether you meet the disability rules. This stage takes two to four months.

If the judge denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court, but these steps are rare. Most people who stick with the process win by the hearing stage.

Special Situations in New Jersey

If you are receiving unemployment benefits in New Jersey, you can still explore for SSDI or SSI. However, you cannot receive both at the same time — if you are approved for disability, your unemployment will end. Report your disability process to the New Jersey Department of Labor so they know to stop your unemployment when your disability starts.

If you are currently working, you can still explore for SSDI. Social Security allows you to earn up to a certain amount per month (called "substantial gainful activity") and still be considered disabled. For 2024, that limit is $1,550 per month, but this amount changes each year. If you earn more than that, Social Security may decide you are not disabled, even if you have a serious condition.

If you are a non-citizen, you may still be able to explore for SSDI if you have a valid Social Security number and work history. SSI has stricter rules — most non-citizens cannot receive SSI unless they are refugees, asylees, or have been granted certain other immigration statuses. Ask Social Security directly about your immigration status when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most decisions come within three to five months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or wants to order an exam. You can call your local Social Security office after 30 days to ask whether your case is still being reviewed.

Do I have to use a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore and appeal on your own. However, if you reach the hearing stage and are denied again, a lawyer or representative who knows disability law can help you present your case more effectively. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.

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

Yes. If you do not have enough work history for SSDI but have limited income and resources, you may may have access to for SSI instead. Social Security will review you for both programs and award whichever one you may have access to for.

What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?

Tell Social Security when ready. Call your local office or log into your my Social Security account and send a message. You can submit updated medical records showing your condition has worsened. This may speed up your decision or strengthen your case if you are denied and appeal.

Will explore for disability affect my other benefits?

SSDI does not affect most other benefits. However, SSI can affect Medicaid, food information, and housing information because it is based on income. If you receive any means-tested benefits, ask Social Security how SSDI or SSI might change them before you explore.