What the online process looks like
Social Security lets you start a disability claim on their website without visiting an office. You fill out forms on your computer, upload documents, and submit everything electronically. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready, though Social Security may ask follow-up questions by mail or phone after you submit.
The online process is the same one Social Security uses in their offices—you are not getting a shorter or different version. You will answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. At the end, you choose whether to submit it right then or save it and come back later.
Not everyone can use the online form. You must be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security number. If you are explore on behalf of someone else, or if you are under 18, you will need to use a different method.
Key Takeaways
- The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability takes 15 to 20 minutes and lets you submit from home without an office visit.
- You will need your Social Security number, medical records, work history, and names of doctors or hospitals that treated your condition.
- Uploading documents during the process is optional—you can submit the form first and mail or upload documents later.
- After you submit, Social Security will contact you if they need more information, usually within two weeks.
- The online process works the same way whether you are explore for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
Before you start: what you need to gather
Have these items in front of you before you open the process. You do not have to upload documents during the process itself, but having them ready means you can if you want to.
Personal information: Your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If you have moved in the last year, have your previous address ready too.
Medical information: The names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, or mental health providers who have treated your condition in the past year. Include dates you saw them. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, gather those—you can upload them during the process or send them later.
Work history: A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including job titles, the names of employers, and the dates you worked there. If you are self-employed, have your business name and the dates you ran it.
Bank account information: If you want Social Security to deposit your payments directly (which is required for new claims), you will need your bank's routing number and your account number. You can also provide this later.
Walking through the online form step by step
The process asks you to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This account lets you check the status of your claim later and receive messages from Social Security. You will need an email address and a password.
Once you are logged in, the form starts with basic questions: your name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Then it moves to your medical condition. You will describe what is wrong, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work. Be specific—instead of "I have back pain," write "I have a herniated disc in my lower back that causes sharp pain when I stand for more than 30 minutes."
Next, you list the doctors and hospitals that have treated you. Social Security will contact them to get your medical records, so accuracy matters. If you are not sure of an address, do your best—Social Security can usually find the provider anyway.
The form then asks about your work history. For each job, enter the title, employer name, dates worked, and what you did. If you worked part-time or had multiple jobs at once, list them separately.
At the end, you choose whether to submit the process when ready or save it as a draft. If you save it, you can log back in and finish it later—your answers stay saved for 60 days.
Uploading documents during the process
Social Security will request your medical records from your doctors automatically, but uploading documents yourself can speed things up. During the process, you can upload files like doctor's notes, test results, MRI images, or hospital records.
The website accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. Each file must be smaller than 100 MB. If you have a stack of papers, you can photograph them with your phone and upload the photos—they do not have to be professional scans.
Uploading documents is optional. Many people submit the form without uploading anything and send documents by mail later. Social Security will ask for what they need if your initial records are incomplete.
What happens after you submit
You will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will also send you a confirmation email with the same number.
Within two weeks, Social Security will contact you by phone or mail to ask follow-up questions. They might ask for clarification about your condition, request more medical records, or ask you to schedule a medical exam. This is normal and does not mean your claim is in trouble.
You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account. The status will show whether Social Security is reviewing your process, waiting for medical records, or making a decision.
The entire process from submission to a decision usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical evidence.
If you cannot use the online form
If you are under 18, you cannot use the online process. A parent or guardian must explore on your behalf by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office.
If you do not have internet access or are not comfortable using a computer, you can explore by phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to start a disability claim. A representative will walk you through the questions and submit the process for you. This takes longer than the online form—usually 30 to 45 minutes—but the result is the same.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is faster.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is leaving out doctors or hospitals. If you saw a provider even once in the past year, include them. Social Security uses medical records to decide your claim, so the more complete your list, the better.
Another mistake is being vague about how your condition affects you. Instead of "I cannot work," explain what you cannot do: "I cannot sit for more than one hour without severe pain" or "I forget conversations I had the day before." Social Security needs specifics to understand your limitations.
Do not wait to submit because you do not have all your documents. You can submit the form with just your doctors' names and addresses, and Social Security will request the records themselves. Waiting delays your claim.
If you make a mistake after you submit, do not resubmit the entire process. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them what needs to be corrected. They can update your claim without you having to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save my process and finish it later?
Yes. You can save your process as a draft at any point. Your answers stay saved for 60 days. Log back into your my Social Security account and click "Continue process" to pick up where you left off. After 60 days, the draft is deleted and you will need to start over.
Do I have to upload documents, or can I send them by mail?
Uploading is optional. You can submit the form without any documents, and Social Security will request records from your doctors. If you want to send documents by mail, include your claim number on the envelope and mail them to the address Social Security provides after you submit.
What if I do not remember all my doctors' names or addresses?
Do your best with what you remember. Social Security can often locate providers with just a partial name or city. If you cannot remember a doctor, leave that field blank and call Social Security later to add them. It is better to submit with incomplete information than to delay your claim.
How do I check the status of my claim after I submit online?
Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Your claim status appears on the home page. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your claim number to ask about progress.
Can I explore online if I am explore for SSI instead of SSDI?
Yes. The online form works for both SSDI and SSI claims. During the process, Social Security will determine which program you may be on based on your work history and income. You do not choose—Social Security decides based on your situation.