The basic steps to explore for SSDI in Oregon

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Oregon through three routes: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your work and return to it later. If you explore online, you will need to call Social Security to complete the process — they will contact you within a few days to finish your process and ask follow-up questions.

The phone number for Social Security's national line is 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can reach Oregon's local offices through this same number, and they will route you to an office near you. If you go in person, you can find your nearest office by entering your ZIP code at ssa.gov/locator.

No matter which route you choose, you will need the same documents ready: your Social Security card or a record of your number, your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, a driver's license or state ID, and medical records showing your condition and when it started. If you have worked recently, you may also need W-2 forms or tax returns.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in Oregon.
  • Have your Social Security card, birth certificate, state ID, and medical records with you before you start, whether you explore online or by phone.
  • If you explore online, Social Security will call you within a few days to finish your process and ask medical and work history questions.
  • The process itself is free, and you do not need a lawyer to explore, though you can hire one to represent you if you choose.
  • After you submit your process, Social Security will send you a letter telling you what happens next and what documents they still need from you.

What documents you need before you start

Social Security will ask for proof of who you are, proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and medical evidence of your condition. Gather these before you explore so you are not delayed waiting for records.

For identity and citizenship, bring your Social Security card (or write down your number if you do not have the card), your birth certificate, and a state-issued ID such as an Oregon driver's license. If you were born outside the United States, you will also need your green card, visa, or other immigration document showing your legal status.

For medical evidence, collect records from every doctor, hospital, or clinic that has treated your condition. This includes office visit notes, test results, imaging reports, and any diagnoses. If your condition is recent, even a few months of records helps. If you have been treated for years, bring records from the past 12 to 24 months — Social Security will request older records if they need them. If you have not seen a doctor in a while, consider scheduling an appointment before you explore, because Social Security needs current medical evidence to make a decision.

If you have worked in the past 15 years, bring your most recent W-2 forms or tax returns. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and records showing your income and work history.

explore online at ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Disability" button on the homepage. You will 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.

Once you are logged in, the process will ask about your medical condition, when it started, the doctors and hospitals you have seen, your work history for the past 15 years, and your family information. You can answer the questions in any order and save your progress — you do not have to finish in one sitting.

When you submit the process online, you will see a confirmation number. Write this down. Within a few days, Social Security will call you to finish the process and ask follow-up questions about your medical history and work. Have your medical records and work history nearby when they call. If you miss the call, they will try again or send you a letter with a phone number to call them back.

After the phone interview, Social Security will send you a letter in the mail listing what documents they still need. You can mail these documents, upload them through your my Social Security account, or bring them to your local office in person.

explore by phone or in person

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to explore by phone. You can reach this line Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time. Have your documents ready before you call — the representative will ask the same questions as the online form and may ask you to mail or bring in your medical records after the call.

If you prefer to explore in person, find your local Oregon Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your ZIP code. Call ahead to ask if you need an appointment or if you can walk in. Bring all your documents with you. The office staff will help you fill out the process and can answer questions about what documents you need to submit.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks. This letter will tell you what happens next and what additional documents Social Security needs from you.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Oregon. This office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning you cannot work because of your condition and it is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The DDS office may request additional medical records from your doctors. They may also ask you to see a doctor for a consultative examination — a free medical exam paid for by Social Security. If they ask you to attend an exam, they will send you a letter with the date, time, and location.

The decision process usually takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if Social Security needs more medical evidence. You can check the status of your process by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If Social Security denies your process

If your process is denied, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court.

For reconsideration, you submit new medical evidence or information that was not in your original process. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local office. Many people hire a lawyer for the hearing stage, because a lawyer can present your case to a judge and argue why you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

You do not have to pay a lawyer upfront. If you win your case, the lawyer's fee comes from your back pay (the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled). The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200 as of 2024, though this amount may change.

Working with a lawyer or representative

You can hire a lawyer, a non-lawyer representative, or a disability advocate to help you with your process or appeal. You do not need a representative to explore — many people explore on their own and are approved. But if your process is denied and you decide to appeal, a representative can be helpful because they know how to present medical evidence and argue your case to a judge.

To hire a representative, you sign a form called an "Authorization to Represent" (Form SSA-1696). Your representative must be approved by Social Security — this includes lawyers, social workers, and other advocates. You can find approved representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by asking your local legal aid office.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact Oregon's legal aid program, Community Alliance of Tenants, or a local disability rights organization. Many offer free or low-cost help with SSDI applications and appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have a green card or other legal immigration status and have worked long enough to earn Social Security credits. You will need to show your immigration document when you explore. If you are not sure about your status, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

explore anyway. Social Security can request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals. Tell the Social Security representative which doctors and clinics have treated you, and they will contact them for records. If you have not seen a doctor recently, consider scheduling an appointment before or shortly after you explore.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

The decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved or denied. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Do I have to stop working to explore for SSDI?

No. You can work and explore at the same time. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled because you are earning substantial income. This amount changes each year, so ask Social Security what the current limit is.

What if I was denied for SSI but want to try for SSDI?

SSI and SSDI are different programs. If you were denied for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you can still explore for SSDI if you have worked long enough to earn Social Security credits. The process process is the same, but the rules are different. Call Social Security to discuss your situation before you explore.