how the process works for Social Security Disability
You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in three ways: online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your work and return to it later. If you explore online or by phone, Social Security will mail you a list of documents they need; if you explore in person, you can bring them the same day.
The process itself asks for your name, date of birth, work history, medical conditions, and the date your disability began. You will also need to list your doctors and hospitals so Social Security can request your medical records directly. You do not need to gather these records yourself—Social Security will ask for them after you submit your process. The entire process from process to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online, by phone, or in person; online is fastest and lets you save your progress.
- Social Security requests your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals—you do not need to collect them yourself.
- Have your work history, list of medications, and doctors' names and addresses ready before you start.
- If you are denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter, which is your first step toward an appeal.
- You can work with a disability representative or attorney to help with your process and appeals, and they are only paid if you win.
What Documents and Information You Need Before You Start
Gather these items before you begin your process: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and your most recent W-2 or tax return. You will also need the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your disability, along with the dates you saw them.
Bring a list of all medications you currently take, including the dosage and how often you take them. If you have had surgery or hospitalizations related to your condition, write down the dates and the names of the facilities. If you are explore for SSI (the needs-based program for people with low income), you will also need to provide information about your bank accounts, property, and any other resources you own. If you are married or have a dependent, bring their Social Security numbers as well.
explore Online Through My Social Security
Go to ssa.gov and click "explore for Disability." You will create a My Social Security account if you do not already have one. You can use your email address or a username and password. Social Security will ask you security questions to verify your identity—answer these carefully, as mistakes can delay your process.
The online form walks you through sections on your medical conditions, work history, and daily activities. You can save your progress at any point and come back to finish later—your answers will be stored for 30 days. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Social Security will mail you a list of documents they need within two weeks, and you can upload some documents directly through your My Social Security account or mail them to the address they provide.
explore by Phone or In Person
To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your information ready before you call, as the representative will ask the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end. Ask the representative to mail you a list of documents they need or ask them to email it if you provided an email address.
To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead to ask if you need an appointment—some offices require one, others take walk-ins. Bring all your documents with you. A representative will fill out the process with you and can answer questions about what Social Security needs. You will leave with a confirmation number and a list of any additional documents to mail or upload.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
Social Security sends your process to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. This office is separate from Social Security and employs disability examiners and medical consultants who review your case. They will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals—this can take four to eight weeks depending on how quickly your providers respond. If your doctors are slow to send records, you can call them and ask them to prioritize your Social Security request.
The DDS office will review your medical records to see whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability: it must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. They will also look at your age, education, and work history. If they need more information, they may order a consultative examination—a medical exam paid for by Social Security with a doctor they choose. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you the date and time.
Understanding a Denial and How to Appeal
If Social Security denies your claim, you will receive a detailed letter explaining why. The most common reasons are that your medical condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, your condition is not expected to last 12 months, or you are still able to work. Read the letter carefully and note the date it was sent—you have 60 days from that date to request reconsideration.
Reconsideration is your first appeal step. A different examiner at DDS will review your case from the beginning. You can submit new medical records or other evidence that was not in your original file. To request reconsideration, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing is your chance to present your case in person or by video, with a representative if you choose. The ALJ will make a new decision based on all the evidence.
Working With a Representative or Attorney
You can hire a disability attorney or non-attorney representative to help with your process and appeals. They can gather medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and argue your case before a judge. Social Security limits what they can charge: if you win at the hearing stage, they can take up to 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began), up to a maximum of $7,200. If you win at the process or reconsideration stage, the fee is capped at $6,000. You do not pay anything unless you win.
To find a representative, search the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) directory or ask your local legal aid office for a referral. Many disability attorneys work on contingency and will not charge you upfront. Before you hire someone, ask about their experience with cases like yours and what they will do to help your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my process is being reviewed?
Yes. Working does not hurt your process as long as your earnings are not too high. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month in 2024 without it affecting your case (this amount changes yearly). For SSI, the limit is lower. Report your work to Social Security so they have accurate information when they make their decision.
What if I do not have medical records from my doctors?
Social Security will request them for you after you submit your process. If your doctor's office is slow to respond, you can call and ask them to send records to Social Security. If you have not seen a doctor recently, consider scheduling an appointment before you explore—Social Security needs current medical evidence to make a decision.
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
Most decisions take three to six months, but some take longer if Social Security needs to order a medical exam or if your case is complex. You can check the status of your process by logging into your My Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213. Do not expect a decision before three months have passed.
Do I have to explore in person, or can I do everything by mail?
You can explore online or by phone and handle everything by mail or through your My Social Security account. You do not need to visit an office unless you choose to. However, if you are denied and appeal to a hearing, you will likely need to appear before a judge in person or by video.
What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?
Tell Social Security when ready. You can call your local office or log into your My Social Security account and send a message. New medical evidence showing your condition has worsened can strengthen your case, especially if you are denied and appeal.