how the process works for SSDI in Virginia

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the Social Security Administration, not through Virginia state offices. The process is the same whether you live in Virginia or anywhere else in the United States. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security field office. Virginia has 39 field offices across the state; you can find the one nearest you on the Social Security website by entering your zip code.

The process itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of your medical conditions and the doctors who treat you. You do not need to have all your medical records gathered before you explore—Social Security will request them directly from your providers after you submit your process.

After you explore, Social Security sends your case to the Virginia Disability information Service (DDS), a state agency that makes the medical decision about whether you meet the definition of disability. This process typically takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs additional medical evidence or if your case is complex.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to Virginia, using ssa.gov, a phone call to 1-800-772-1213, or a visit to one of Virginia's 39 field offices.
  • You need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of your medical conditions and treating doctors.
  • Social Security forwards your case to the Virginia Disability information Service, which makes the medical decision and typically takes 3 to 6 months.
  • If you are denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration; if you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • While your case is pending, you can work and earn up to the substantial gainful activity limit without affecting your claim.

explore Online Through Your Social Security Account

The fastest way to explore is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You will need to create or sign into your my Social Security account. The online process walks you through questions about your medical conditions, work history, and daily activities. You can save your progress and return to it later if you need to gather information.

Online applications are processed the same way as phone or in-person applications. After you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation letter with your case number. Keep this number—you will use it to check the status of your case and to contact Social Security about your process.

One advantage of explore online is that you can attach documents directly, such as a recent medical report or a letter from your doctor describing your condition. This can speed up the process slightly, though Social Security will still request medical records from your providers.

explore by Phone or In Person in Virginia

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your medical conditions and doctors ready. The call typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail with your case number.

To explore in person, visit your local Virginia Social Security field office. You can find the address and hours on ssa.gov by searching for your zip code. Bring your original birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or green card), and your Social Security card if you have it. Bring a list of your medical conditions and the names and addresses of the doctors who treat you. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary; calling ahead to ask about current wait times is often helpful.

In-person applications are useful if you have questions during the process or if you have difficulty using the online system. The Social Security representative can also help you gather information about your work history and medical treatment.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you explore, gather the following documents and information. You do not need to have everything before you start—Social Security can help you locate some items—but having them ready speeds up the process.

  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A U.S. birth certificate, passport, green card, or visa. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization papers or green card.
  • Social Security number: Your Social Security card or any document showing your number.
  • Birth certificate: An original or certified copy.
  • Medical information: The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for your condition. Include dates of treatment if you have them.
  • Work history: A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the names of employers, dates you worked, and the type of work you did.
  • School records: If you are under 22, bring records showing your school attendance and grades.

Social Security will request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals after you explore. You do not need to collect these yourself, though you can provide copies if you have them.

What Happens After You explore: The Virginia DDS Review

After you submit your process, Social Security sends your case to the Virginia Disability information Service. The DDS is a state agency that employs disability examiners and medical consultants who review your medical evidence and decide whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

The DDS will request medical records from all the doctors and hospitals you listed. This process can take several weeks. If your medical records do not contain enough information to make a decision, the DDS may schedule you for a consultative examination with a doctor they choose. Social Security pays for this exam, and you do not have to pay anything.

The DDS will send you a notice of decision by mail. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the date your benefits begin and when you will receive your first payment. If you are denied, the notice will explain the reason and tell you how to request reconsideration.

What to Do If Your process Is Denied

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to request reconsideration. This is your first level of appeal.

For reconsideration, Social Security sends your case to a different examiner at the Virginia DDS. This examiner reviews your case from the beginning and considers any new medical evidence you provide. Reconsideration takes another 3 to 6 months.

If you are denied on reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testimony. You have 60 days from the date of the reconsideration denial to request a hearing. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage; representatives work on contingency and are paid only if you win.

If you are denied after a hearing, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court. However, most people who eventually win their case do so at the hearing level.

Working While Your process Is Pending

You can work and earn money while your SSDI process is pending. Working does not hurt your claim. However, if you earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, Social Security may assume you are not disabled and deny your process.

The SGA limit changes each year. In 2024, the limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn less than this amount, you can work without affecting your claim. If you earn more, Social Security may deny your process based on the assumption that you are capable of working.

This does not mean you cannot work and receive SSDI. It means that if you are working above the SGA limit when you explore, Social Security is more likely to deny your claim. If you are approved and then start working above the SGA limit, different rules explore—you enter a trial work period where you can test your ability to work without losing benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I have never worked?

No. SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you or your employer have paid. You must have earned enough work credits—generally, you need 40 credits, with at least 20 earned in the past 10 years. If you have never worked, you may be able to explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program. Contact Social Security to discuss your situation.

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

Initial decisions typically take 3 to 6 months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another 3 to 6 months. If you request a hearing, add 6 to 12 months or more, depending on the hearing office's workload. Virginia's hearing offices currently have significant backlogs, so waits can be longer than the national average.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

You do not need a lawyer to explore or to request reconsideration. Many people are approved without representation. However, if you are denied and request a hearing, having a disability representative or attorney can improve your chances. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by Social Security at 25 percent of your back pay.

What if I move out of Virginia while my case is pending?

Your case stays with the Virginia DDS until a decision is made. After that, your benefits are managed by Social Security regardless of where you live. If you move, notify Social Security of your new address so you continue to receive notices and payments.

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you do not have enough work credits for SSDI, you can explore for SSI, which is based on financial need rather than work history. You can explore for both programs in a single process. Social Security will determine which programs you may be may have access to to based on your work history and income.