Where to start your process in Indiana

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of Indiana. Social Security is a federal program, so the process process is the same whether you live in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or anywhere else in the country. Indiana does not run its own disability program or handle SSDI applications.

You have three ways to explore: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people start online because you can do it at your own pace and from home. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call Social Security's national number or visit an office in your city.

The process itself asks about your medical condition, your work history, your income, and your living situation. It takes most people 15 to 20 minutes to fill out online, though you can save your work and come back to it later.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to Indiana, by going to ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, 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 most applications, though some take longer if they need more information from your doctor.
  • If Social Security denies your process, you can ask for a reconsideration or file an appeal, and many people are approved on appeal.
  • Indiana has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project that offers free help understanding how work affects your benefits.

Documents and information you need before you explore

Gather these items before you start your process. Having them ready makes the process faster and reduces the chance that Social Security will ask you to send things in later.

You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or a green card). You also need a current list of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Include the dates you saw them and what they treated you for.

Bring a summary of your work history for the past 15 years: the job titles, the employers' names, the dates you worked there, and how much you earned. If you have recent tax returns or W-2 forms, those help. If you are explore for SSI (the income-based program), you will also need to report your bank account balances, any property you own, and your household's total income.

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. This requires your email address and a password. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.

Once you are logged in, start the process for SSDI or SSI. The form walks you through questions section by section. You can save your progress and log back in later to finish — Social Security keeps your answers for 60 days. Answer honestly and in as much detail as you can, especially about how your condition affects your ability to work and do daily tasks.

When you finish, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will also email you a copy of your process. After you submit, 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 to explore over the phone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The wait times vary, but calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait. You can also ask Social Security to call you back instead of holding on the line. Tell them you want to explore for disability, and they will walk you through the questions.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling the same number. Offices in Indiana are in most cities, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and Bloomington. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead can save you a trip if the office is very busy. Bring all the documents listed above with you.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, Social Security will give you a confirmation number and tell you what happens next. Ask them to mail you a copy of your process so you have a record of what you submitted.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to a disability examiner in Indiana's Disability information Services (DDS) office. This office is part of Social Security but located in the state. The examiner reviews your medical records, your work history, and your description of how your condition affects you.

The examiner may ask your doctors for more information or medical records you did not include. This can add weeks to the process. Social Security will contact you if they need anything from you. Respond as quickly as you can — delays in sending information can delay your decision.

Most decisions come within three to six months. Social Security will mail you a letter telling you whether you were approved or denied. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

What to do if Social Security denies your process

A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits. You have the right to ask Social Security to reconsider your case or to file a formal appeal. Many people are approved on appeal, especially if they have gathered more medical evidence or if their condition has worsened.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to ask for reconsideration or to file an appeal. If you miss this important date, you can still appeal, but you will have to explain why you waited. The easiest way to request reconsideration or appeal is to log into your my Social Security account and follow the prompts, or you can call 1-800-772-1213.

At the appeal stage, you can ask for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. This is where many people's cases are approved. You can represent yourself, but many people hire a disability lawyer or advocate to help. Lawyers typically charge a fee only if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay, not from your pocket.

Free help in Indiana for people with disabilities

Indiana's Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project offers free, confidential help understanding how work affects your SSDI or SSI benefits. WIPA counselors can explain what you can earn without losing benefits, how to report work income, and what happens if you return to work. You can reach Indiana's WIPA project through the Disability Rights Indiana organization.

Disability Rights Indiana also provides free legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities. They can answer questions about your process, help you prepare for an appeal, or connect you with other resources. You can find their contact information on their website or by calling their main office.

If you need help filling out your process and do not have a computer or internet at home, you can use a computer at your local library or at a Social Security office. Library staff can help you get online, and Social Security staff can answer basic questions about the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can work and explore for SSDI at the same time. Social Security looks at whether you can do substantial work — generally, that means earning more than about $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes each year. If you are earning less than that, you can still explore. If you are earning more, Social Security will likely deny your process, but you can reapply if you stop working or if your earnings drop.

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

Most decisions come within three to six months, but some take longer. If Social Security needs more medical records or information from your doctors, it can take eight months or more. You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history — you or a family member paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on your current income and assets, not your work history. You may be able to receive both, or you may only be may be able to access for one. Social Security will determine which program you may have access to for when you explore.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for disability?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer. However, if Social Security denies your process and you decide to appeal, a lawyer or advocate can significantly improve your chances of approval. Many lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only charge a fee if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay.

What if I move out of Indiana after I explore?

Your process continues through Social Security's system no matter where you move. You do not need to do anything special. If you move, update your address with Social Security so they can mail you decisions and important letters. You can update your address online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.