Start with Social Security, not the state

If you have a disability and cannot work, you explore through Social Security, not through the State of Illinois. Social Security administers two programs: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance, for people who worked and paid into Social Security) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income, for people with limited income and resources). Illinois has no separate state disability program that replaces these.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency. They receive your process, review your medical evidence, and make the decision about whether you meet their definition of disability. You can explore online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Which program you explore for depends on your work history and current income. If you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, you likely explore for SSDI. If you have never worked much or have very little income and few assets, you likely explore for SSI. Many people explore for both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to Social Security (federal), not to Illinois state government, using either the online process at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • You will need medical records from your doctors, a list of your medications, work history, and proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal residency status.
  • The decision process typically takes three to five months for an initial decision, but many people are denied and must request reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • If you are approved, you may become may be able to access for Medicare (after a 24-month waiting period on SSDI) or Medicaid (when ready on SSI in Illinois), and you can work part-time under Social Security's work incentive rules.
  • Illinois offers a Protection and Advocacy agency and work incentive counselors who can answer questions about your specific situation at no cost.

How to start an process online or by phone

The fastest way to explore is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You create an account, fill out the form, and submit it. You do not need to upload documents at that stage—Social Security will ask for them later. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready.

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative will walk you through the questions and file your process over the phone. Wait times vary; calling early in the morning or mid-week is usually faster.

You can also walk into any Social Security office in Illinois and explore in person. To find the office nearest you, use the office locator at ssa.gov or call the number above. In-person appointments may take longer to schedule, but some people prefer it if they have questions or language access needs.

What documents and information you need to gather

Before you explore, collect the following: your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or green card), and a photo ID. You will also need your work history for the past 15 years, including the names of employers and the dates you worked there.

Medical evidence is the most important part of your process. Gather records from every doctor, mental health provider, hospital, or clinic that has treated you for your condition. Include test results, imaging reports, and treatment notes. If you see a doctor regularly, ask them to send your records directly to Social Security—you can provide the address when you explore. Bring a list of all medications you take, including the dose and how often you take them.

If you have ever worked and paid into Social Security, you will need to know your earnings history. Social Security has this on file, but it helps to have your tax returns or W-2s from the past few years. If you are explore for SSI (because you have little work history), you will need to show proof of your current income and assets—bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, and proof of any benefits you receive.

What happens after you submit your process

Once you submit, Social Security sends your process to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Illinois. This is a state agency that works under contract with Social Security. DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

You will likely receive a letter asking for more information or records. Respond to these requests within the important date they give you—usually 10 days. If you do not respond, they may deny your case. If your doctors have not yet sent records, call DDS and ask for an extension.

The initial decision usually comes within three to five months. If you are approved, you will receive a letter saying so, along with information about your first payment and your Medicare or Medicaid status. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason. You then have 60 days to request reconsideration, which means DDS reviews the case again with new or additional evidence.

What to do if your process is denied

Most first applications are denied. This does not mean you cannot win; it means you need to provide more evidence or appeal. You have three levels of appeal: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and Appeals Council review.

At reconsideration, DDS looks at your case again. You can submit new medical records, letters from your doctors, or statements from people who know how your condition affects you. Many people hire a disability lawyer or non-lawyer representative at this stage. Representatives work on contingency—they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, and nothing if you lose. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or through the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program in Illinois.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is your best chance to win. At a hearing, you can testify, your doctor can testify, and you can present new evidence. Hearings usually happen within 6 to 18 months of your request, depending on the judge's schedule.

Illinois-specific resources and work incentive programs

Illinois has a Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program that answers questions about SSDI and SSI at no cost. They can help you understand your rights, explain work incentives, and connect you with a lawyer if you need one. Contact them through the Illinois Disability Rights Organization (IDRO) at 217-528-0397 or idro.org.

If you are approved and want to work part-time, Social Security has work incentive programs that let you earn money without losing your benefits right away. The most common is the Trial Work Period, which lets you work and earn any amount for nine months without losing SSDI. After that, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period, where you can continue to work and receive benefits if your earnings stay below a certain level. A Work Incentive Planning and information (WIPA) project in Illinois can explain these rules and help you plan. Find your local WIPA at askjan.org or call 1-866-968-WIPA.

Illinois also has Medicaid programs for people on SSDI or SSI. If you are approved for SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare after 24 months. If you are approved for SSI, you are may be able to access for Medicaid when ready in Illinois. Both programs cover doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions, though the details differ.

Timeline and what to expect at each stage

The process from process to a final decision can take one to three years if you appeal. Here is what usually happens:

  • Week 1: You submit your process online, by phone, or in person.
  • Weeks 2–4: Social Security sends your process to DDS in Illinois and requests your medical records from your doctors.
  • Weeks 4–12: DDS reviews your records. You may receive letters asking for more information or authorizing Social Security to contact your doctors.
  • Weeks 12–20: DDS makes an initial decision and sends you a letter.
  • If denied, Days 1–60: You can request reconsideration. Submit new evidence if you have it.
  • Months 2–6 after reconsideration request: DDS reviews again and sends a second decision letter.
  • If denied again, Days 1–60: You can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • Months 6–24 after hearing request: You wait for a hearing date, then testify and present evidence.

At any stage, you can hire a representative to help you. Many people do not hire anyone for the first process but do hire someone for reconsideration or the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not hurt your process. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024; this amount changes yearly), Social Security may assume you can work and deny your case. Keep records of your earnings and any work-related expenses or limitations. If you are approved later, you can use the Trial Work Period to earn money without losing benefits.

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

Call your doctors' offices and request your records be sent to Social Security. Provide the DDS address from your process letter. If a doctor will not send records, ask Social Security to request them on your behalf—they have the power to subpoena medical evidence. Do not let missing records stop you from explore; Social Security will help you gather them.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. However, most people who win on appeal have a representative. Lawyers and non-lawyer representatives charge a fee only if you win and receive back pay. The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less.

What happens to my health insurance if I am approved?

If you are approved for SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare after 24 months. If you are approved for SSI, you are may be able to access for Medicaid when ready in Illinois. You keep both programs even if you work part-time under the work incentive rules, as long as your earnings stay below the limit.

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

Yes. If you have a work history but low current income, you may may have access to for both. Social Security will review your case for both programs and tell you which one you may have access to for. If you may have access to for both, SSDI usually pays more, but you receive whichever amount is higher.