The Basic Process for explore in Georgia

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Georgia through three routes: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return to it later. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

Georgia has 47 Social Security field offices where you can walk in or schedule an appointment. The office staff cannot decide whether you receive benefits — they collect your information and send it to the state agency that makes the information. That agency is the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Atlanta, which reviews medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

No matter which route you choose, you will need the same documents and information ready before you start. Having these prepared beforehand makes the process faster and reduces the chance you will need to resubmit something later.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at one of Georgia's 47 Social Security offices.
  • Georgia's Disability information Services office in Atlanta reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet the definition of disability — not the local Social Security office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if more medical evidence is needed.
  • If you are denied, you can file an appeal within 60 days of the denial letter, and most people benefit from having a representative help with the appeal.

Documents and Information You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you begin your process. Having them ready prevents delays and reduces the chance the DDS office will ask you to send something later. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). You will also need your driver's license or state ID.

Bring information about your medical conditions, the doctors and hospitals that have treated you, and the dates of your treatment. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your healthcare providers. If you have recent medical records at home — test results, imaging reports, or letters from your doctors — bring copies or have them ready to describe. The DDS office will request records directly from your providers, but having this information speeds up the process.

You will also need work history information: the names of your employers for the past 15 years, the dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. Have your bank account information ready if you want direct deposit for your benefits.

explore Online at ssa.gov

The online process is the fastest route for most people. Go to ssa.gov, click "explore for Disability," and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. You will need an email address and a phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your identity.

The process asks about your medical conditions, when they started, which doctors have treated you, and how your conditions affect your ability to work. Answer as completely as you can, but do not worry if you do not have exact dates — you can write "approximately" or give a range. The DDS office will verify details with your medical providers.

When you finish, Social Security gives you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account. After you submit, expect a call or letter within two weeks asking for any missing information.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your documents nearby when you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and can answer questions as you go. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number and a notice in the mail within two weeks.

To explore in person, find your nearest Georgia Social Security office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring all your documents with you. The office staff will help you fill out the process and answer questions about what information you need to provide.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to Georgia's Disability information Services office in Atlanta. The DDS office requests your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This step usually takes two to four weeks. You do not need to do anything — DDS contacts your providers directly.

A DDS examiner reviews your medical records to see whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. The definition is strict: your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. The examiner also considers your age, education, and work history. The entire review process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if more medical evidence is needed or if the examiner needs clarification from your doctor.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If you are approved, the letter explains when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

What to Do If You Are Denied

If the DDS office denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You must file your appeal within 60 days of the denial letter — the important date is printed on the letter itself. You can file the appeal online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Georgia Social Security office.

The first level of appeal is called "reconsideration." A different examiner at DDS reviews your case and any new medical evidence you provide. This is the time to submit recent medical records, test results, or letters from your doctors that you did not have when you first applied. Reconsideration usually takes two to three months.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Many people find it helpful to have a representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — help with the hearing. Representatives are paid only if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay, not from you upfront. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or ask your local Social Security office for a referral.

Working While You Wait for a Decision

You can continue working while your process is being reviewed. Your earnings do not affect whether you are approved for SSDI. However, if you are approved, Social Security looks at your work history to calculate your benefit amount, so your recent earnings may be included in that calculation.

If you are approved and start receiving benefits, you can still work and earn money up to a certain limit without losing benefits. This limit changes each year. In 2024, you can earn up to $1,550 per month without affecting your benefits (the limit is higher if you are blind). Once you exceed the limit, Social Security reduces your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. Report your work and earnings to Social Security so they can calculate your benefits correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status to receive SSDI. You can explore if you have a green card, are a refugee, or have another form of legal immigration status. Bring your immigration documents when you explore. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for SSDI.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

Your benefit amount depends on your work history and earnings record, not on your medical condition or how severe your disability is. The average SSDI benefit in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but individual amounts vary widely. You can estimate your benefit by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and viewing your earnings record.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to gather all your records before you explore. The DDS office requests them directly from your doctors and hospitals after you submit your process. However, if you have recent records at home, submitting them with your process can speed up the process. If your doctors have records that are especially important to your case, you can ask them to send them directly to DDS.

Can I work with a representative while explore?

Yes. You can hire a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to help with your process, though it is not required. Representatives are most helpful during the appeal process. If you hire someone, you must sign a fee agreement. Representatives are paid only if you win, and the fee is taken from your back pay.

How do I check the status of my process?

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to check your process status. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.