The Basic Steps to explore in Kansas

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the federal Social Security Administration, not through the state of Kansas. The process is the same whether you live in Kansas or anywhere else in the country. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security field office in person.

Kansas has 16 Social Security field offices spread across the state. If you prefer to explore in person, you can find the office nearest you on the Social Security website by entering your city or zip code. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices now require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time, so call first.

The entire process process typically takes three to six months from the day you submit your claim until you receive a decision. During that time, Social Security will request medical records from your doctors and may ask you to see a doctor they choose. You do not need to hire a lawyer to explore, though some people do.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through the federal Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at one of 16 Kansas field offices—not through any state agency.
  • You will need medical records showing your condition and how it limits your ability to work, so gather those before you start.
  • Social Security will contact your doctors directly for records, but providing a list of your medical providers speeds up the process.
  • The decision usually arrives within three to six months, and you can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account online.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal, and many people are approved on appeal even if they were denied the first time.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin your process: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of all the doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition. You will also need information about your work history for the past 15 years, including the names of employers and the dates you worked for each one.

If you are explore based on a mental health condition, bring records from any therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor you have seen. If you are explore based on a physical condition, gather records from the specialist who treats that condition as well as your primary care doctor. Social Security will request these records from your providers, but having them ready means you can provide contact information quickly and accurately.

You will also need to know your current monthly household income and the income of anyone else living with you, as well as information about any other benefits you receive—unemployment, workers' compensation, or retirement benefits from another source. Have your bank account information available if you want direct deposit of any payments.

explore Online Through ssa.gov

The online process is called iClaim and is available 24 hours a day at ssa.gov. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account requires your email address and a password you create. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.

The online form takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. You answer questions about your medical condition, your work history, your family, and your living situation. You can save your progress and return to finish later if you need to. When you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number—write this down or take a screenshot, as you will need it to check on your claim status.

After you submit online, Social Security will mail you a form called the Function Report (Form SSA-3373-BK). This form asks detailed questions about how your condition affects your daily activities—getting dressed, cooking, managing money, going to appointments. Fill it out carefully and return it within the important date Social Security gives you, usually 10 days. This form is one of the most important parts of your case.

explore by Phone or In Person in Kansas

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Kansas time. Have your documents ready when you call. The representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will create your claim over the phone. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

To explore in person, visit a Kansas Social Security field office. You can find the address and phone number of the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead to ask about appointment availability and whether walk-ins are accepted, as policies vary. Bring all your documents with you—your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and a list of your medical providers and employers.

explore in person takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The representative will fill out your process with you and answer questions as you go. You will leave with a confirmation number and a receipt showing the date Social Security received your claim. This date is important because it determines when your benefits would start if you are approved.

What Happens After You Submit Your Claim

Once Social Security receives your claim, they will send you a letter confirming the date they received it. This is called your "protective filing date" and matters for how much back pay you might receive if you are approved. Keep this letter in a safe place.

Social Security will then request medical records from every doctor and hospital you listed. This usually takes two to four weeks. You do not need to do anything—Social Security contacts them directly. However, if you know your doctor is slow to respond to records requests, you can call the office yourself and ask them to send the records to Social Security quickly. Provide them with your claim number from your confirmation letter.

About four to six weeks after you submit your claim, Social Security will mail you the Function Report form if you did not explore online. This is the detailed form about how your condition affects your daily life. Fill it out completely and return it within 10 days. If you miss the important date, Social Security may deny your claim, so mark the due date on your calendar.

You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. The status will show whether Social Security is still gathering medical records, whether they have scheduled a medical exam, or whether they are reviewing your case. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your status.

Medical Exams and Evidence Social Security Needs

Social Security may schedule you for a medical exam with a doctor they choose. This is called a Consultative Examination (CE). The exam is free and Social Security pays the doctor. The doctor will examine you and write a report about your condition and how it limits your ability to work. This report becomes part of your case file.

You are not required to attend the exam, but if you do not show up without a good reason, Social Security may deny your claim. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, call the doctor's office or Social Security when ready to reschedule. If you have transportation problems or cannot afford to travel, tell Social Security—they may be able to arrange a phone or video exam instead.

Social Security also needs evidence that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. This means medical records showing diagnosis, treatment, test results, and how your condition has changed over time. If you have not seen a doctor in several months, consider scheduling an appointment before you explore. Recent medical evidence is stronger than old evidence.

If Social Security Denies Your Claim

Social Security denies about 65 to 70 percent of first-time applications. A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits—it means Social Security did not find enough evidence that your condition meets their definition of disability. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who are denied the first time are approved on reconsideration or at the hearing stage if they provide additional medical evidence.

For reconsideration, you submit new medical records or other evidence that was not in your original file. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Kansas field office. Many people hire a lawyer for the hearing stage, which is the third level of appeal. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they can only charge you a portion of your back pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI while I am still working?

Yes. Social Security allows you to earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) and still be considered disabled. The amount changes each year. If you earn more than this, Social Security may deny your claim or stop your benefits if you are already receiving them. Tell Social Security about any work you do when you explore.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most decisions arrive within three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records or if they schedule a medical exam. You can check your claim status online anytime through your my Social Security account to see where your case stands.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without paying anyone. However, if Social Security denies your claim and you appeal to the hearing stage, many people find a lawyer helpful. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases only get paid if you win, and only from your back pay.

What if I cannot get to a Social Security office in person?

You can explore online at ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Both methods are just as official as explore in person. If you have transportation or mobility problems, tell Social Security and they may be able to conduct your interview by phone or video instead.

Will explore for SSDI affect other benefits I receive?

It depends on what benefits you receive. If you receive unemployment or workers' compensation, tell Social Security—they need to know. Some benefits may reduce your SSDI payment, but explore for SSDI will not cause you to lose other programs. Ask Social Security about your specific situation when you explore.