What happens when you explore for SSDI
When you explore for Social Security Disability Insurance, you submit medical evidence and work history to Social Security, which then decides whether your condition prevents you from working. The process takes several months — typically four to six months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer. You will need to gather documents before you start, and you should know that most first applications are denied, which does not mean you cannot appeal.
Social Security has three ways to explore: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is usually fastest because you can save your progress and return later. The phone and in-person routes exist mainly for people who cannot use the website or need help with language access.
Key Takeaways
- You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office, and the online route usually moves faster.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records from your doctors, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
- Social Security takes three to six months to make a decision on your first process, and most denials can be appealed within 60 days.
- You do not need a lawyer to explore, but a lawyer or non-lawyer representative can help you prepare and represent you at a hearing if your case is denied.
- If you are working, you can still explore, but your current earnings may affect whether Social Security considers you disabled.
Documents you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or a green card). Have your driver's license or state ID ready as well.
Next, collect medical records. Contact each doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for the condition you believe makes you unable to work. Ask them to send you copies of your medical records, test results, and any diagnoses they have documented. This step takes time — providers often take two to four weeks to respond — so start early. You do not need to wait for all records before you explore; you can submit them later, but having them ready speeds up the process.
Finally, make a list of every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, the company name, the dates you worked there, and what your main duties were. If you are self-employed, include the type of business and your net earnings for each year. Social Security uses this to understand your work history and whether you have worked recently enough to be insured under SSDI.
explore online at ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Disability" button on the homepage. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account requires your email address and a password you create. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.
Once logged in, start the SSDI process. The form asks for your personal information, medical history, work history, and details about your condition. You can save your progress at any point and return later — the process stays open for up to 60 days. Answer each question as completely as you can. If you are unsure about something, write what you know; you can add more information later.
When you reach the section asking you to upload medical records, you can attach PDFs or images of documents you have already gathered. If you do not have them yet, you can note that and submit them afterward. After you submit the process, Social Security sends you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it to check the status of your case.
explore by phone or in person
To explore by phone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the week. Have your documents nearby when you call. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone, asking the same questions as the online form. The call typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, the representative gives you a confirmation number and tells you what to do next.
To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. Bring your original documents — Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and your list of jobs. You can bring copies of medical records, but Social Security can also request them directly from your providers after you explore. The in-person appointment takes about 30 minutes.
What Social Security does after you explore
After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a letter confirming receipt. This letter includes your case number. Keep it in a safe place. Social Security then requests your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals. This process can take several weeks.
Once Social Security has your records, it sends your case to a Disability information Services office in your state. This office is staffed by doctors and disability examiners who review your medical evidence and work history. They decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning you cannot do your past work and cannot adjust to other work that exists in the national economy.
You will receive a written decision in the mail. If approved, the letter tells you when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. If denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.
What to do if your process is denied
Most people are denied on their first process. A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working. You have the right to appeal.
You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who appeal go to the hearing stage, where you can present new medical evidence and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work.
At the hearing stage, you can have a representative — either a lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate — speak for you. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, rather than charging you upfront. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by asking your local legal aid office.
If you are working while you explore
You can explore for SSDI even if you are currently working. However, your earnings matter. Social Security looks at whether you are doing substantial gainful activity — work that earns you more than a certain amount per month. In 2024, that amount is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals, though these figures change each year.
If you earn more than these amounts, Social Security may conclude you are not disabled, even if you have a serious medical condition. If you earn less, Social Security will look more closely at your medical evidence. Be honest about your current work and earnings on your process — Social Security can verify this information through tax records and wage reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
Most initial decisions come within three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or if your case is complex. You can check the status of your process using your confirmation number at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No. You can explore on your own and represent yourself throughout the process. However, a lawyer or representative can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case if you are denied and decide to appeal. Many representatives only charge if you win.
What if I do not have all my medical records yet?
You can submit your process without them. Social Security can request records directly from your doctors and hospitals after you explore. However, having records ready when you submit speeds up the decision. If you are still being treated, ask your provider to send records as soon as they are available.
Can I work part-time while receiving SSDI?
Yes, but there are limits. SSDI includes a trial work period where you can earn any amount for nine months without losing benefits. After that, your benefits reduce or stop if you earn more than the substantial gainful activity amount. Social Security can explain the exact rules for your situation.
What happens if I am denied and do not appeal?
Your case closes. You can reapply later, but you would start over from the beginning. If you reapply within 12 months and your condition has not improved, your new process may move faster. Most people who appeal their denial eventually win at the hearing stage, so appealing is usually worth the effort.