What you need to do to explore for SSDI

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance, you submit a claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA) describing your medical condition and how it prevents you from working. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The SSA will review your medical records, work history, and earnings to decide whether your condition meets their definition of disability.

The process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records from doctors who have treated you. If you are approved, you receive a monthly payment and access to Medicare after two years on the program.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your claim online, by phone, or at a Social Security office, and you do not need a lawyer to begin.
  • The SSA needs your medical records from your doctors, so gather those before you explore or be ready to give permission for SSA to request them.
  • The decision process takes several months, and most first claims are denied — denial does not mean you cannot try again.
  • If you are approved, your first payment arrives the month after you are found disabled, and Medicare coverage begins after 24 months on SSDI.

Gathering your medical records before you explore

Social Security needs detailed medical evidence to make a decision. This means records from doctors, specialists, hospitals, mental health providers, or clinics that have treated you for your condition. The records should show your diagnosis, test results, treatment history, and how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.

You do not have to collect every record yourself. When you explore, you can authorize SSA to request records directly from your doctors and hospitals. However, the process moves faster if you provide records you already have. Call your doctor's office and ask for copies of recent visits, test results, and any notes about your limitations. If you have been hospitalized or seen a specialist, request those records too.

If you have not seen a doctor in a long time, or if your condition is not well documented, consider scheduling an appointment before you explore. SSA looks for current medical evidence — records from the past year carry more weight than older ones.

The three ways to start your claim

Online at ssa.gov: Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and create a my Social Security account if you do not have one. The online form takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. You can save your progress and return later if you need to. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and take your information over the phone. This is a good option if you prefer to talk through your situation or have questions as you go.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. An employee will help you fill out the form and can answer questions about what happens next.

What Social Security considers a disability

SSA has a strict legal definition of disability. Your condition must prevent you from doing any kind of work for at least 12 months, or it must be expected to result in death. This is different from state disability programs or workers' compensation — SSA does not pay for partial disability or short-term conditions.

SSA maintains a list called the Blue Book that describes conditions they recognize as disabling. The list includes arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, back injuries, and many others. However, having a condition on the list does not automatically mean you will be approved — SSA also looks at how severe your condition is and how it affects your ability to work.

If your condition is not on the list, you can still be approved if you can show that your condition is as severe as one that is listed, or if you can show that you cannot do any work because of your medical condition combined with your age and work history.

What happens after you submit your claim

After you explore, SSA sends you a letter confirming they received your claim and giving you a case number. Keep this number for your records. Within a few weeks, SSA will contact you if they need more information or medical records.

Your claim goes to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. This office is separate from Social Security and employs doctors and specialists who review medical evidence. They may request additional records from your doctors, or they may schedule you for a consultative examination — a medical exam paid for by SSA to gather more information about your condition.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If you are approved, the letter explains your monthly payment amount and when payments begin. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration or file an appeal.

What to do if your claim is denied

Most first claims for SSDI are denied. This does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means SSA did not find enough medical evidence that your condition meets their definition of disability at that time. You have the right to challenge the decision.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. This means SSA will review your claim again, usually with a different examiner. You can submit new medical records or additional information about how your condition affects your work. Many people are approved on reconsideration if they provide stronger medical evidence.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a more formal process where you can present your case in person or by phone, and you can bring a representative or witness. Some people hire a lawyer at this stage, though it is not required. About 60 percent of cases are approved at the hearing level.

Working with a representative or lawyer

You do not need a lawyer or representative to explore for SSDI. Many people are approved without one. However, if your claim is denied and you are requesting a hearing, a representative can help you gather evidence, prepare your case, and present your argument to the judge.

Representatives can be lawyers or non-lawyers accredited by SSA. They charge a fee only if you win your case — the fee is either 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when you became disabled) or $6,000, whichever is less. SSA must approve the fee before the representative can collect it.

You can find accredited representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking your local Social Security office for a list. Some legal aid organizations also help people with SSDI claims at no cost if you have low income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI claim is being decided?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), SSA may conclude you are able to work and deny your claim. The amount changes each year. If you are approved, you can earn up to a certain amount without losing benefits through a program called trial work.

Do I need medical records from every doctor I have ever seen?

No. You need records from doctors who have treated you for the condition you are claiming is disabling. If you see multiple doctors for the same condition, records from your main treating doctor are most important. Older records from years ago are less useful than recent ones.

What if I do not have a doctor and cannot afford one?

Contact your local health department or community health center about low-cost or free clinics. You can also ask SSA about a consultative examination — they will pay for a doctor to examine you if they need more medical evidence. This does not happen automatically, but you can mention in your process that you need help getting medical records.

How much money will I receive if I am approved?

Your monthly payment depends on your work history and earnings record. The average payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but payments range from about $700 to over $3,800. SSA will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter. You can estimate your payment using the calculator at ssa.gov.

Can I explore for SSDI if I am still working full-time?

Yes, you can explore while working. However, if you are earning substantial income, SSA may deny your claim based on the assumption that you are able to work. The threshold changes yearly, but generally if you earn more than $1,550 per month, SSA will likely deny your claim.