Where to Start Your process in Georgia

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of Georgia. The state does not run the disability program — Social Security does. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office in Georgia.

The fastest route is usually online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You can complete the whole form in one sitting, save it, and come back to finish it later. If you prefer to talk to someone, call Social Security's national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). They can walk you through the questions and submit your form for you.

If you want to explore in person, find your local Social Security office by searching "Social Security office near me" on ssa.gov or by calling that same number. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary — calling ahead to ask about busy hours can save you time.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to Georgia, using ssa.gov, a phone call to 1-800-772-1213, or a visit to your local Social Security office.
  • Social Security will ask about your medical condition, your work history, and how your condition stops you from working — have medical records and past job titles ready.
  • The decision usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can file a request for reconsideration within 60 days, and most people who are denied eventually win on appeal.
  • Georgia has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project that offers free help understanding how work affects your benefits — call 1-866-435-7942 to reach them.

What Information You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you sit down to explore. You will need your Social Security number, your birth date, and your citizenship or immigration status. Have your driver's license or passport ready for identification.

Social Security will ask about your medical condition in detail. Write down the names and phone numbers of every doctor, therapist, or specialist you have seen in the past year — including their office addresses and the dates of your visits. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, have those nearby. You do not submit them with the online form, but Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request your medical records, so having accurate contact information speeds that up.

You will also need information about your work history. List every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, the company name, the dates you worked there, and what you did day-to-day. If you are self-employed or own a business, have your tax returns from the past two years ready.

The Online process Step by Step

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and click "explore Now." The form is called the Adult Disability Report. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you have your information ready.

The first section asks basic facts: your name, address, phone number, and email. Then it moves to your medical history. Social Security asks when your condition started, what doctors you see, and how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to work. Be specific — do not just say "I have back pain." Explain what you cannot do: "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain" or "I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds."

Next comes your work history. Enter each job in reverse order, starting with your most recent. Social Security wants to know what you did, how many hours you worked per week, and how much you earned. If you stopped working because of your condition, the form will ask when and why.

At the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it for mistakes, then submit. You will get a confirmation number — write it down. Social Security will send you a letter in the mail within two weeks confirming they received your form.

What Happens After You Submit

Social Security sends your process to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). In Georgia, this is the Georgia Division of Rehabilitation Services. DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

This review usually takes two to three months. During that time, Social Security's doctors will contact your doctors and ask for your medical records. You may also receive a letter asking you to go to a medical exam paid for by Social Security — this is called a consultative exam. You do not pay for it, and you should go. If you do not show up, Social Security may deny your claim.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. It will say "approved," "denied," or "approved for a different program than you asked for." If you are approved, the letter will tell you how much your monthly payment will be and when it starts. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

If Social Security Denies Your Claim

A denial does not mean you cannot win. Most people who are denied the first time win on appeal. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file a request for reconsideration. This means Social Security will look at your case again, usually with a different examiner.

For a reconsideration, submit new medical evidence if you have it — recent test results, a new doctor's statement, or updated records from your current doctors. Mail your request to the address on your denial letter, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to file by phone. A reconsideration usually takes another two to three months.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a real hearing where you can present evidence and answer questions. Many people win at the hearing stage. You have 60 days to request a hearing, and you can represent yourself or hire a lawyer. Lawyers who handle Social Security cases work on contingency — they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, and nothing if you lose.

Georgia-Specific Resources and Support

Georgia has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project run by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. WIPA offers free, confidential help understanding how returning to work affects your SSDI or SSI benefits. They can explain the work incentives available to you — things like the Trial Work Period, Extended may be able to access, and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE). Call 1-866-435-7942 to reach them.

If you need help with your process or appeal, contact Georgia's Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (GAPD). They provide free legal help to people with disabilities. Their phone number is 1-800-900-4127. They cannot represent you in a Social Security hearing, but they can help you understand your rights and connect you with other resources.

The Georgia Disability Rights Bar Association also maintains a list of lawyers in Georgia who handle Social Security cases. You can find them through the Social Security Administration's website under "Find a Representative."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI or SSI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. Keep records of your earnings and any work-related limitations you experience — this information helps your case.

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

Initial decisions usually take two to three months. If you appeal, a reconsideration takes another two to three months. A hearing before a judge can take six months to a year or longer, depending on how busy the hearing office is.

What if I do not have medical records from my doctors?

Social Security will request them for you once you submit your process. Give them accurate doctor names and office phone numbers. If your doctor's office is slow to respond, you can call and ask them to send the records to Social Security faster — mention your process number from your confirmation letter.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. A lawyer is most helpful if you are denied and need to appeal, especially if you are going to a hearing. Many lawyers will not charge you unless you win.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history — you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on financial need and is for people with very low income and resources. Social Security will determine which program you may have access to for based on your work history and income.