What you need to do to explore for SSDI
To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance, you contact Social Security directly through one of three routes: online at ssa.gov, 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 if you have your documents ready. By phone, a representative will walk you through the same questions. In person, staff can answer questions as you fill out the form together.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment. You'll also need work history information—the names and dates of jobs you've held in the past 15 years. Social Security uses this to confirm you've paid into the system long enough to be insured.
The process itself asks about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors or hospitals have treated you, and how your condition limits your ability to work. Be specific about what you cannot do—not just the diagnosis, but the daily impact. For example, "I cannot stand for more than 20 minutes" is more useful to Social Security than "I have arthritis."
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and the online route is usually fastest.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and work history from the past 15 years.
- The process asks about your medical condition and how it limits your ability to work—describe what you cannot do, not just your diagnosis.
- After you submit, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office, which makes the decision within 30 to 90 days.
- If you are denied, you can request reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge, and then further appeals.
Gathering your documents before you start
Social Security will ask for medical evidence, so collect records from every doctor, therapist, hospital, or clinic that has treated your condition. This includes test results, imaging reports, treatment notes, and medication lists. If you have not seen a doctor recently, schedule an appointment before you explore—Social Security needs current medical evidence, usually from within the past 90 days.
You will also need proof that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Bring your most recent tax return or W-2 forms, or a list of employers and the years you worked for them. Social Security can verify this information through its own records, but having it ready speeds the process.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can obtain one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card, visa, or other immigration documents that show your legal status.
explore online versus by phone versus in person
| Method | Time to complete | Best for | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online at ssa.gov | 15–20 minutes | People comfortable with computers who have documents ready | Computer or phone with internet, documents scanned or nearby to reference |
| Phone: 1-800-772-1213 | 30–45 minutes | People who prefer talking through questions or need help understanding what to provide | Phone, documents nearby, quiet space to talk |
| In person at local office | 1–2 hours including wait | People who need help filling out forms or want to hand over documents directly | Original documents, photo ID, time to visit during office hours |
The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is usually the fastest route if you have your documents ready and feel comfortable entering information yourself. You can save your progress and come back to it later if you need to gather more information.
If you call 1-800-772-1213, you will speak to a Social Security representative who will ask the same questions as the online form. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week.
If you go to your local Social Security office, staff can help you fill out the form and answer questions about what documents you need. Find your office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring all your original documents—staff will make copies for your file.
What happens after you submit your process
Once you submit your process, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office. This is a separate agency that reviews your medical evidence and decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability. The review usually takes 30 to 90 days, though it can take longer if they need more medical records.
During this time, Social Security may contact your doctors to request additional records or ask you to attend a medical exam. If they ask for an exam, Social Security pays for it. You do not have to pay anything.
You will receive a letter in the mail with the decision. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.
What to do if your process is denied
If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. This sends your case back to the Disability information Services office, and they review it again with any new medical evidence you provide.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work. Many people hire a disability representative or lawyer at this stage, though you do not have to.
If the judge denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court. Each step has its own important date—usually 60 days from the denial letter—so do not wait.
How much information Social Security needs about your work history
Social Security needs to know about your work in the past 15 years, but you do not need to list every single job. Focus on jobs where you earned significant income or worked for a long time. Include the employer's name, the type of work you did, and the dates you worked there.
Social Security uses this information to determine whether you have paid enough into the system to be insured for disability benefits. You need 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before you became disabled. (You earn one credit for every $1,550 in wages, up to four credits per year; this amount changes each year.)
If you have not worked much or have large gaps in your work history, you may still be insured if you became disabled before age 31. Social Security has different rules for younger workers. If you are unsure whether you have enough credits, Social Security can tell you during the process process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I am still working?
Yes, but Social Security will look at how much you earn. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (this amount changes yearly), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. If you earn less, you can still explore and may be approved. Be honest about your current work on the process.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
Schedule a doctor's appointment before you explore. Social Security needs current medical evidence, usually from within the past 90 days. If you cannot afford a doctor, look for free or low-cost clinics in your area, or ask Social Security about scheduling a consultative exam at their expense.
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
The Disability information Services office usually makes a decision within 30 to 90 days. You will receive a letter in the mail. If they need more medical records or want you to attend an exam, the process may take longer. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about the status of your case.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No, you can explore on your own. Many people are approved without a lawyer. However, if your process is denied and you appeal to a hearing, a lawyer or representative can help you present your case. Many disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can explore if you have a valid Social Security number and have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Bring proof of your legal residency status, such as a green card or visa. Some non-citizens are not insured for disability benefits even if they have a Social Security number—Social Security can tell you during the process whether you are insured.