The Alaska process Process

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Alaska, you start with the Social Security Administration, not the state. Alaska does not run its own disability program—you work directly with Social Security whether you live in Anchorage, Juneau, or anywhere else in the state. You can explore online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

The online process at ssa.gov is the fastest route for most people. It takes 15 to 20 minutes, saves you a trip, and you can save your progress and come back to it. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call Social Security's national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and explore over the phone. For in-person help, Alaska has Social Security field offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

Whichever way you start, Social Security will ask the same questions: your medical condition, when it started, which doctors have treated you, and whether you worked in the past year. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records handy before you begin.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to Alaska, by visiting ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting an office in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau.
  • The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save and return to it, making it faster than phone or in-person for most people.
  • Social Security will need details about your medical condition, your doctors, and your work history, so gather medical records before you start.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends your case to the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for medical review, which typically takes 3 to 6 months.
  • If Social Security denies you, you can request reconsideration within 60 days, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.

What You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start your process. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and citizenship or immigration status. Have your driver's license or state ID ready if you are explore in person.

Social Security will also ask about your medical records. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. Include the dates you saw them. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, have those nearby—you do not have to submit them with the process, but Social Security will contact your providers to request them, and having the information ready speeds that up.

If you worked in the past, have your last W-2 or tax return. If you are self-employed, bring records of your income for the past year. Social Security needs to know whether you are still working and how much you earn, because work history affects both your case and the type of benefit you might receive.

explore Online at SSA.gov

The online process is the most straightforward path. Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and click "explore for Disability." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one—this takes a few minutes and requires an email address and password.

The form asks about your condition, when symptoms started, which doctors have treated you, and your work history. Answer as completely as you can. If you do not know an exact date, give your best estimate—Social Security will verify details with your medical providers. You can save your progress at any point and log back in to finish later.

When you submit, you will get a confirmation number. Write it down. Social Security will mail you a receipt within two weeks. From that point, your case goes to the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which handles the medical review for Social Security. You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you prefer not to explore online, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). The wait time varies, but calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter hold. Have your documents ready before you call. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and take your information over the phone.

For in-person help, visit a Social Security field office. Alaska has offices in Anchorage (3601 C Street, Suite 400), Fairbanks (101 12th Avenue, Suite 328), and Juneau (9 North Franklin Street, Suite 150). You can find current hours and phone numbers for each office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring all your documents with you. In-person appointments often take longer than phone applications, so plan for 45 minutes to an hour.

What Happens After You Submit

Once Social Security receives your process, they send it to the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which is part of the state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This division has a team of doctors and disability examiners who review your medical records and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

The review usually takes 3 to 6 months. During this time, Social Security contacts your doctors and requests your medical records. You may receive a letter asking you to go to a medical exam paid for by Social Security—if this happens, you must go. Missing the exam can delay your case or result in a denial.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If Social Security approves you, the letter explains when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If they deny you, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.

If Social Security Denies Your process

A denial is not the end. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration—this means Social Security will review your case again with a different examiner. You can request reconsideration by mail, phone, or online at ssa.gov. Include any new medical records or information that was not in your first process.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people who were denied twice receive benefits at the hearing stage. You have 60 days to request a hearing, and you can represent yourself or hire a disability lawyer to help you.

Disability lawyers in Alaska work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win—usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000. You do not pay anything upfront. The Social Security Administration must approve the fee before the lawyer can collect it.

Understanding SSDI vs. SSI in Alaska

Social Security offers two disability programs, and which one you might receive depends on your work history and income. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your own work record or your parent's work record if you became disabled before age 22. There is no income limit for SSDI, and you can have savings and own property. SSDI benefits are usually higher than SSI.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with low income and few resources. To receive SSI in Alaska, your monthly income must be below a certain amount (this changes yearly), and you can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources. SSI also pays for Medicare or Medicaid coverage in most cases.

Social Security will determine which program you might receive based on your process. Some people receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time. You do not choose which one to explore for—Social Security looks at your situation and tells you what you may have access to for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while Social Security reviews your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may conclude you are not disabled. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible, or tell Social Security about any work you do when you explore.

How long does it take to hear back from Social Security?

Initial decisions usually take 3 to 6 months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another 3 to 6 months. If you request a hearing, the wait is typically 6 to 12 months depending on how busy the hearing office is. You can check your case status anytime in your my Social Security account.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore and represent yourself throughout the process. However, if Social Security denies you and you request a hearing, a lawyer can significantly improve your chances. Many people hire lawyers only after a denial, not before.

What if I move out of Alaska after I explore?

Your case continues with Social Security no matter where you live. You do not need to reapply or notify Alaska. Social Security is federal, so your benefits follow you if you move to another state.

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

Yes. When you explore, Social Security reviews you for both programs and tells you which one you may have access to for. You do not submit separate applications—one process covers both.