The basic steps to explore for SSDI in Indiana

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

Indiana has 14 Social Security field offices where you can walk in with documents and speak to someone face-to-face. The largest offices are in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. If you call the national number, you will reach a representative who can answer questions about Indiana-specific details, like which office is closest to you or whether your local office has current wait times.

The process itself asks about your medical condition, your work history, and your current income. You will need to provide documents that prove your identity, your age, and your citizenship or legal residency. The Social Security Administration will then request medical records from your doctors and hospitals to verify that your condition meets their definition of disability.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at one of Indiana's 14 field offices, and the process is the same regardless of where you live in the state.
  • You will need to provide your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and documentation of your medical condition from your doctors.
  • The Social Security Administration will contact your doctors and hospitals directly to request medical records, so you do not have to collect them yourself.
  • The decision process typically takes three to five months, though cases involving hearing loss, cancer, or certain other conditions may be decided faster.
  • If your process is denied, you can request reconsideration, and if that is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin your process, whether online or in person. You will need your Social Security number, your birth certificate, and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A passport, naturalization certificate, or green card all work. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a naturalization certificate, bring your green card and your original birth certificate.

You will also need to show proof of your current income and any assets you own. This includes recent pay stubs if you are still working, bank statements, and information about any other benefits you receive. If you are married, you will need your spouse's Social Security number as well.

Bring a list of all the doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition. Include the names, addresses, and phone numbers if you have them. The Social Security Administration will contact these providers directly to request your medical records, so you do not need to collect the records yourself before you explore. However, if you have recent test results, imaging reports, or specialist letters, bringing copies can speed up the process.

explore online through ssa.gov

The online process at ssa.gov is the fastest route if you have a computer and internet access. Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. You can start the process, save your progress, and come back to finish it later.

The online form asks about your medical condition, when your condition began, and how it affects your ability to work. It asks about your work history for the past 15 years, your current income, and whether you have applied for workers' compensation or other disability benefits. The form takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready, or longer if you need to look up information.

After you submit the online process, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email. The Social Security Administration will contact you within a few days if they need more information. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.

explore by phone or in person in Indiana

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 ready when you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will file your process over the phone. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

You can also walk into any of Indiana's 14 Social Security field offices with your documents. The offices are in Anderson, Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis (two offices), Kokomo, Lafayette, Muncie, Richmond, South Bend, and Terre Haute. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Arrive early if you can, because wait times vary and some offices get busy in the afternoon.

Bring all your documents with you. A representative will review them, ask you questions, and file your process in person. You will leave with a confirmation number and a receipt showing what information you provided. If the office needs additional documents, they will tell you what to bring back or mail in.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit your process, the Social Security Administration sends it to the Disability information Services office in Indianapolis. This office is part of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, though it works for Social Security, not the state. The office reviews your medical records and your work history to decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

The office will contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records. This usually takes two to four weeks. If your doctors do not respond quickly, the process may take longer. You can speed this up by calling your doctors' offices and asking them to send the records to Social Security as soon as possible.

Once the office has your medical records, a disability examiner and a medical consultant review your case. They look at whether your condition prevents you from doing any kind of work, not just your previous job. The decision typically comes within three to five months of when you submitted your process. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied.

Understanding the decision and what to do if you are denied

If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. SSDI payments are based on your work history and your age when you became disabled. The amount varies from person to person. You will also become covered by Medicare after you have been on SSDI for two years, even if you are under 65.

If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason. The most common reason is that the Social Security Administration does not believe your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. You have the right to request reconsideration, which means a different examiner will review your case. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testimony about your condition. Many people hire a lawyer or representative to help them at this stage. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the judge for a referral to a legal aid organization in Indiana.

Getting help with your process

You do not have to pay anyone to help you explore for SSDI. The Social Security Administration's representatives and the Disability information Services office in Indianapolis will answer your questions for free. If you call 1-800-772-1213, you can ask about your specific situation and get guidance on what documents to gather.

Indiana Legal Services and other legal aid organizations in the state offer free help to people with low income who are explore for disability benefits. They can review your process, help you gather medical evidence, and represent you if your case goes to a hearing. Contact your local legal aid office to see if you meet their income limits.

Some organizations in Indiana, like the Indiana Disability Rights, offer information and support for people going through the SSDI process. These organizations do not charge fees and can answer questions about how the system works. You can also find a Social Security representative in your area by visiting ssa.gov/locator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while I wait for a decision on my SSDI process?

Yes. You can work and earn money while your process is being reviewed. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may consider you able to work and deny your process. The amount changes each year. If you are working, tell the Social Security Administration how much you earn when you explore.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use other documents to prove your age and identity. A passport, driver's license, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, contact your local county clerk's office in Indiana to request a birth certificate. The process takes one to two weeks and costs around $20.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most decisions come within three to five months. Some cases are decided faster if your condition is on Social Security's list of conditions that automatically may have access to. Cases involving hearing loss, cancer, or certain other serious conditions may be decided in four to six weeks. You can check the status of your process anytime by calling 1-800-772-1213 or logging into your my Social Security account.

Do I have to use the Disability information Services office in Indianapolis?

Yes. All SSDI applications from Indiana are reviewed by the Disability information Services office in Indianapolis, regardless of which Social Security field office you explore through. You cannot choose a different office. However, you can explore through whichever Social Security office is most convenient for you.

What if I have already been denied once?

You can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. Gather any new medical evidence from your doctors and submit it with your reconsideration request. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people find it helpful to work with a lawyer or representative at the hearing stage.