What You Need to Know Before You Start

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two separate programs that pay monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You cannot walk into an office and hand over a form the same day. The process takes months, involves medical records, and requires you to prove your condition prevents you from doing any work — not just your current job.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles both programs. SSDI is based on your own work history and taxes you paid into Social Security. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. You may be able to file for both at the same time if you meet the requirements for each.

You can file online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is usually fastest because you can start when ready and save your progress. By phone, you call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). In person, you go to your nearest Social Security office with your documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death before Social Security will consider your claim.
  • SSDI requires a work history and Social Security taxes paid; SSI requires low income and resources but no work history.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and proof of income and resources to file.
  • The entire process from filing to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with a lawyer win on the second or third try.

Gather Your Documents Before You File

Social Security will ask for specific documents no matter which program you are filing for. Have these ready before you start: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and your W-2 forms or tax returns from the last year you worked.

You will also need medical records. This means actual documents from your doctors, hospitals, or clinics — not a letter you write yourself. Bring records from the past 12 months if possible, but older records help too if they show your condition has been ongoing. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may schedule you for a consultative exam at no cost to you, but this delays your case.

For SSI claims, bring proof of your income and resources: bank statements, pay stubs, proof of rent or mortgage, utility bills, and a list of anything you own of value. Social Security counts cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property toward your resource limit, which varies by program.

File Your Claim Online, by Phone, or In Person

Online filing is the fastest route. Go to ssa.gov, click "explore for Disability," and create a my Social Security account if you do not have one. You will answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and living situation. The form saves automatically, so you can stop and come back. Once you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation number and tells you what happens next.

By phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and file your claim over the phone. You will receive a confirmation number and a notice in the mail within two weeks.

In person, go to your local Social Security office with your documents. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring originals or certified copies of your birth certificate and proof of citizenship. An employee will help you fill out the form and submit it that day. Wait times vary; calling ahead to schedule an appointment is usually faster than walking in.

What Happens After You File

Within two weeks, Social Security mails you a notice showing your claim number and the date you filed. Keep this notice. Social Security then sends your case to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). DDS is not part of Social Security — it is a separate state office that reviews medical evidence and decides whether you meet the definition of disability.

DDS will request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals. This takes time. If you have not seen a doctor in the past 12 months, DDS may schedule a consultative exam with a doctor Social Security pays. You do not pay for this exam. DDS uses it to fill gaps in your medical evidence.

The entire review usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if DDS needs more information. You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Understanding the Decision and What Comes Next

Social Security mails you a decision letter. It will say "Approved," "Denied," or "Approved for SSI only" (if you filed for both programs). If you are approved, the letter tells you your monthly benefit amount and when payments start. SSDI benefits usually start the month after you are approved, though the exact timing depends on when your disability began.

If Social Security denies your claim, the letter explains why. The most common reasons are that your medical condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, or that you did not provide enough medical evidence. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. You do not have to wait for the 60 days to pass — you can appeal when ready.

There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration (a different DDS reviewer looks at your case), a hearing before an administrative law judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court. Most people who appeal with a lawyer win at the hearing stage. You can hire a lawyer at any point, but many lawyers only take cases after reconsideration is denied.

What to Expect While Your Claim Is Being Reviewed

Social Security may contact you by mail or phone to ask for more information. If they call, they will identify themselves and give you a case number. You can verify the call by hanging up and calling 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the number is real. Do not give personal information to someone who calls you unless you have verified the number yourself.

You can submit additional medical records at any time before a decision is made. If you see a new doctor or have new test results, send them to Social Security right away. Mail them to the address on your claim notice, or upload them through your my Social Security account.

If your condition changes or you return to work, you must tell Social Security. Continuing to receive benefits while working more than the allowed amount is considered overpayment, and Social Security will ask you to repay the money. The current work limit is $1,550 per month for 2024, but this amount changes each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my claim is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from filing or receiving benefits. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. The limit changes yearly. Report all work income to Social Security.

What if I do not have recent medical records?

Social Security can schedule a free consultative exam with a doctor they choose. This delays your case by a few weeks, but it gives DDS the medical evidence they need. If you have not seen a doctor in years, seeing one before you file strengthens your claim.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file on your own. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal, a lawyer can significantly improve your chances. Many lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they take a percentage of your back pay.

How much will I receive each month?

SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings record. The average is around $1,500 per month, but it varies widely. SSI payments are based on the federal benefit rate, which is $943 per month in 2024, reduced by any other income you have. Your approval letter will state your exact amount.

What if I am approved for SSI but not SSDI?

You will receive SSI payments if your income and resources are low enough. SSI has a strict resource limit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. If you have more than this, you do not may have access to for SSI, even if you are disabled.