The Basic Steps to explore for SSDI

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process is the fastest route and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will need to create or log into a my Social Security account, then answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and personal information.

The entire process from process to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer. After you submit your process, a Social Security examiner will review your medical records and work history. You may be asked to attend a medical exam paid for by Social Security, or to provide additional documents. A decision will come in writing by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office without an appointment.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition.
  • Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request your medical records, so you do not have to collect them yourself.
  • If your process is denied, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial letter.
  • You can work with a disability representative or attorney to help with your case, and they are only paid if you win.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident (a passport, green card, or state ID works). You will also need your driver's license or state ID and information about your bank account if you want benefits deposited directly.

Have your work history ready, including the names and dates of your last jobs. You do not need to provide medical records yourself — Social Security will request them directly from your doctors and hospitals. However, it helps to have a list of the doctors and clinics you have seen, along with the dates of your visits. If you have already been denied disability benefits through your state's program (called Supplemental Security Income or SSI), have that denial letter on hand.

explore Online Through My Social Security

The online process is available at ssa.gov under "explore for Disability." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account requires your Social Security number, email address, and a password. Social Security will send you a verification code by email or text to confirm your identity.

Once you are logged in, the process asks about your medical condition, when it began, and how it affects your ability to work. You will describe your symptoms, any surgeries or treatments you have had, and the medications you take. The form also asks about your work history — the jobs you have held in the past 15 years, what you did in each job, and when you stopped working. Answer honestly and in as much detail as you can. If a question does not explore to you, you can skip it.

When you finish, review your answers for accuracy. You can save your process and come back to it later if you need to. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you call Social Security to check on your case.

explore by Phone or In Person

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents and work history nearby so you can answer accurately. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment to explore in person. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring all your documents with you. An employee will help you fill out the process and answer your questions. In-person applications sometimes take longer because offices can be busy, so consider calling ahead to ask about wait times.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you submit, Social Security sends you a receipt letter within two weeks. This letter confirms that your process was received and gives you a case number. Keep this letter. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your process was filed.

A Social Security examiner called a Disability information Services (DDS) examiner will be assigned to your case. This examiner works for your state, not for Social Security directly. They will request your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This usually takes four to eight weeks. During this time, you do not need to do anything unless Social Security contacts you asking for more information.

Social Security may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative exam. This is a medical appointment paid for by Social Security to gather information about your condition. You will receive a letter telling you where and when to go. You do not pay for this exam. If you cannot attend, call the number on the letter to reschedule.

Understanding the Decision Letter

Your decision will arrive by mail. The letter will say either "approved," "denied," or "approved for a different reason than you requested." If you are approved, the letter explains how much your monthly benefit will be and when payments start. Benefits usually begin the month after you are approved, though some cases have a waiting period.

If you are denied, the letter explains why. Common reasons include: your condition is not severe enough, your medical records do not support your claim, or you are still able to work. The letter also tells you that you have 60 days to appeal. An appeal does not mean starting over — it means asking Social Security to look at your case again, usually with new medical evidence or a hearing before a judge.

Working With a Representative or Attorney

You can hire a disability representative or attorney to help with your case at any point — before you explore, during the review, or after a denial. They can gather medical records, prepare your case, and represent you at a hearing. You only pay them if you win your case. The fee is set by law: either 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when you became disabled) or $6,000, whichever is less.

To find a representative, search the Social Security website for "accredited representatives" in your state, or contact your local disability advocacy organization. Many offer free consultations. If you cannot afford a representative, some nonprofits offer free help to people with low income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not automatically disqualify you. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (the amount changes yearly), Social Security may conclude you are able to work and deny your claim. Keep your earnings below this amount if you can, and report any work to Social Security.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect them yourself. When you explore, you list the doctors and hospitals you have seen. Social Security will request your records directly from them. If a provider does not respond, Social Security will follow up. Tell Social Security about any providers you have seen, even if you think the records are old or incomplete.

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

Most decisions come within three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information or if you need a consultative exam. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to check on your case status using your confirmation number, though they cannot speed up the review.

What if I miss a important date or appointment?

If you miss a medical exam or important date to send information, Social Security may deny your case. If this happens, you can appeal and explain why you missed it. Contact Social Security when ready if you cannot make an appointment — they can reschedule. If you receive a letter asking for information, respond within the timeframe listed.

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

Yes. SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on income and assets. You may be found disabled under one program but not the other. explore for both gives you two chances to receive benefits. Social Security will process both applications together at no extra cost to you.