What you need to know before you start
Social Security has two disability programs: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Both pay monthly cash benefits if you have a mental health condition that prevents you from working, but they have different rules about income, assets, and work history. SSDI is based on your own work record or a family member's; SSI is based on financial need. You explore to both through the same process, and Social Security will determine which one you might receive.
The process itself is straightforward—you answer questions about your condition, your medical treatment, and your work history. What takes time is the medical review. Social Security needs medical evidence that your condition is severe enough to prevent substantial work. This means records from doctors, therapists, or psychiatrists who have treated you, not a letter saying you feel unable to work.
Most people are denied on their first process. This is normal and does not mean you cannot receive benefits. You have the right to appeal, and many people succeed on appeal or at a hearing before a judge.
Key Takeaways
- You explore through Social Security directly—by phone at 1-800-772-1213, online at ssa.gov, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- Social Security needs medical records from a doctor or mental health provider who has treated you, not just your own statement that you cannot work.
- SSDI requires a work history; SSI does not, but SSI has strict limits on how much money and property you can own.
- The process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, and many people are denied the first time.
- If you are denied, you can appeal within 60 days, and you have the right to a hearing before a judge.
Gather your medical records before you explore
Social Security will not take your word that you cannot work. They need medical evidence from someone who has actually treated you. This means records from a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or counselor—not a family member or friend, and not a single visit. The records should show ongoing treatment over time.
Before you explore, collect the names and phone numbers of every mental health provider who has treated you in the past year or two. Call their offices and ask for copies of your medical records. You have a legal right to these records, though offices may charge a small copying fee. Ask specifically for notes from appointments, any diagnoses they have written down, and descriptions of how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.
If you have not seen a mental health provider recently, consider scheduling an appointment before you explore. A single recent evaluation strengthens your case. If cost is a barrier, community mental health centers often charge on a sliding scale based on income.
Decide whether to explore for SSDI, SSI, or both
SSDI requires that you or a parent (if you are under 18) worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period. The exact requirement depends on your age, but generally you need about five years of work history in the past ten years. SSDI has no limit on how much money or property you can own. Monthly payments vary based on your work record but average around $1,200 to $1,500.
SSI is for people with low income and few assets, regardless of work history. You can own no more than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit is $3,000 for a couple). A car, your home, and some personal items do not count toward this limit. SSI pays a federal base amount, which varies by state but is typically around $900 per month, plus any state supplement.
If you have worked, explore for both. Social Security will review you for both programs and determine which one you may have access to for. If you have never worked or worked very little, you can only receive SSI.
Complete the process
You can explore three ways: online at ssa.gov (the fastest option if you have an account), by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online applications take about 15 to 20 minutes. By phone, a representative will ask you the same questions and fill out the form for you.
The process asks for basic information: your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. It asks about your medical condition, when it started, and who has treated you. It asks about your work history—the jobs you have held, when you worked, and why you stopped working. Be honest and specific. If you say you stopped working because of your condition, explain what symptoms or limitations made work impossible.
You will also answer questions about your income and assets (for SSI) and whether you have ever received Social Security benefits before. At the end, you authorize Social Security to contact your doctors and get your medical records directly.
What happens after you submit your process
Social Security sends your process to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This takes two to three months on average, though it can take longer if your records are incomplete or if DDS needs more information from your doctors.
During this time, you may receive a letter asking for more information or asking you to see a doctor for an examination. If DDS asks you to see a doctor, Social Security pays for the visit. Go to the appointment—missing it can result in a denial.
You will receive a written decision in the mail. 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.
Understanding a denial and your appeal rights
A denial does not mean you are ineligible. It means DDS decided your condition does not meet their criteria based on the evidence they reviewed. Common reasons for denial include incomplete medical records, a gap in treatment, or a decision that your condition is not severe enough to prevent all work.
You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration (DDS reviews the case again with new evidence), a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court. Most people who appeal succeed at the hearing level, especially if they have new medical evidence or representation from a lawyer or advocate.
You do not need a lawyer to appeal, but many people find one helpful. Disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25%) only if you win. You can find lawyers through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or through your state bar association.
What to do while you wait for a decision
Continue seeing your mental health provider if you can. Ongoing treatment strengthens your case and is important for your health. If you cannot afford treatment, ask your provider about sliding-scale fees or look for community mental health centers in your area.
Keep copies of all medical records you send to Social Security. Keep a list of the dates you submitted your process and any follow-up letters you receive. If Social Security asks you to see a doctor or provide more information, respond within the important date they give you.
Do not work while your case is pending if you can avoid it. If you do work, report your earnings to Social Security. Working can affect your case and your benefits if you are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while I am waiting for a decision?
You can work, but it may hurt your case. Social Security may decide that if you can work, your condition is not severe enough to prevent substantial work. If you do work, report your earnings to Social Security. Once you are approved for benefits, you can earn up to a certain amount per month without losing benefits.
What mental health conditions does Social Security recognize?
Social Security has a list of conditions that can may have access to for disability, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. However, having a diagnosis on the list does not automatically mean you will receive benefits. Social Security looks at how severe your condition is and how much it limits your ability to work.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No. You can explore on your own. However, a lawyer or advocate can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case. Many people find this helpful, especially if they have been denied once.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Initial decisions typically take two to six months. If you appeal, a hearing usually happens within one to two years, depending on how busy your local hearing office is. Some cases move faster; some take longer.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
Contact your past providers and ask for records. If you have not seen a provider in a while, schedule an appointment before you explore. If you cannot afford treatment, look for community mental health centers that charge based on income. Recent medical evidence strengthens your case significantly.