The Basic Steps to explore for SSDI
You can start an SSDI claim in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest — you create an account, fill out the process form, and submit it when ready. By phone, a representative walks you through the same questions and submits it for you. In person, you bring documents and someone fills out the form with you there.
No matter which route you choose, Social Security will ask the same core questions: your medical condition, when it started, which doctors have treated you, what work you've done in the past 15 years, and whether you're still working now. The process itself takes 20 to 40 minutes online, longer by phone because of wait times.
After you submit, you'll get a confirmation number. Social Security then sends you a letter with your case number and the name of the person assigned to your claim. From that point, the decision process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.
Key Takeaways
- You can start your claim online at ssa.gov without leaving home, and it usually takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete.
- Social Security will ask about your medical condition, your doctors, your work history, and whether you're working now — have this information ready before you start.
- You'll need medical records from your doctors, so contact their offices now and ask them to send records to Social Security once you have your case number.
- The decision process takes three to six months on average, and Social Security will contact you if they need more information or documents.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to request reconsideration, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.
What Documents and Information to Gather Before You Start
Before you open the process, collect these items: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers), and a list of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition. You'll also need dates — when your condition started, when you last worked, and the names of employers from the past 15 years.
You don't need to have all your medical records in hand when you start. Instead, once Social Security gives you a case number, you can contact your doctors' offices and ask them to send records directly to Social Security. Give them your case number so the records get to the right place. Most offices will do this at no cost, though some may charge a small fee for copying.
If you're still working, have your most recent pay stub and tax return ready. Social Security needs to know your current earnings because there are limits on how much you can earn and still receive SSDI.
explore Online vs. By Phone vs. In Person
| Method | Time to Complete | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Online at ssa.gov | 20–40 minutes | You're comfortable with computers and want to work at your own pace. |
| Phone: 1-800-772-1213 | 30–60 minutes (includes wait time) | You prefer talking to someone or have questions as you go. |
| In person at your local Social Security office | 45–90 minutes (includes wait time) | You need help with documents, don't speak English well, or prefer face-to-face. |
The online process is usually the fastest because you control the pace and there's no wait. You can save your work and come back to it later if you need to find information. The phone line has wait times, especially early in the week, but a representative can answer questions as you go.
In-person appointments let you bring documents and have someone help you understand what's being asked, which is useful if English isn't your first language or if your situation is complicated. You can find your local office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
Within two weeks, Social Security sends you a letter with your case number and the name of the person handling your claim. This letter also lists what documents they still need from you. Read it carefully and follow the instructions — if they ask for medical records, contact your doctors right away.
Social Security's Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state then reviews your medical records to decide whether your condition meets their definition of disability. They may request additional records from your doctors or ask you to have a medical exam. If they ask for an exam, Social Security pays for it.
You'll receive a decision letter in the mail. If approved, the letter tells you when your benefits start and how much you'll receive each month. If denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration — a free process where Social Security looks at your case again, usually with new information you provide.
Medical Records: What Social Security Needs and How to Get Them
Social Security needs medical records that show your condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work. This means records from doctors who have actually examined you — not records from a friend or family member, and not internet research. The records should include test results, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), notes from office visits, and any diagnoses your doctors have written down.
Call each doctor's office and ask to speak with the medical records department. Tell them you're explore for Social Security Disability and ask them to send your records to Social Security. Provide your case number once you have it. Most offices send records free of charge, though some charge $10 to $50 for copying and mailing. Ask about the cost before they send anything.
If you've been treated at a hospital, call the hospital's medical records department separately — hospital records don't automatically go to your doctor's office. If you've seen a therapist, psychiatrist, or pain management specialist, their records are especially important for Social Security's decision.
If Your Claim Is Denied: How to Appeal
If Social Security denies your claim, you have four levels of appeal, and each one is free. The first level is reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your case, usually with new medical records you've gathered since the first decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration.
Most people who are denied the first time are also denied on reconsideration. If that happens, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many people's claims are approved — judges often see things the initial examiners missed. You have 60 days to request a hearing, and there's usually a wait of one to two years before the hearing happens.
During the wait for a hearing, keep gathering medical records and seeing your doctors regularly. New records from recent visits are powerful evidence. If you can afford a lawyer, this is the stage where hiring one often makes the biggest difference — lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay only if you win, and they know what evidence judges want to see.
Working While You explore: What You Need to Know
You can work while your SSDI claim is being decided. However, if you're earning more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024, though this amount changes yearly), Social Security may assume you're able to work and deny your claim. The exact limit varies by year, so check ssa.gov for the current figure.
If you're working part-time or earning less than the limit, report your income honestly on the process. Social Security understands that some people work despite their condition, especially if the work is part-time or temporary. What matters is whether your condition prevents you from doing substantial work — not whether you're currently working.
If you're approved for SSDI, you can continue working under a program called Trial Work Period, which lets you earn any amount for nine months without losing benefits. After that, there are other work incentives that let you keep some benefits while you work. But these details come after approval — for now, focus on the process itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
Most decisions come within three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or wants you to have an exam. You can call your case worker to ask about the status after two months have passed.
Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?
No, you can explore on your own. A lawyer is most useful if your claim is denied and you're preparing for a hearing. Many SSDI lawyers work for free upfront and take a percentage of your back pay only if you win.
What if I don't have recent medical records?
Start seeing a doctor now. Social Security needs current medical evidence, not just old records. If you can't afford a doctor, look for a community health center or clinic that charges based on income. Having recent records from a doctor who has examined you makes a big difference in approval chances.
Can I explore if I'm still working?
Yes, but if you're earning more than about $1,550 per month, Social Security may deny your claim based on work activity alone. If you're earning less than that or working part-time, you can still explore and explain your situation on the form.
What if I don't speak English well?
Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an interpreter, or visit your local Social Security office in person. Social Security provides interpreters at no cost. You can also bring a trusted family member or friend to help you understand the process.