The SSDI process process has three routes, and the fastest one depends on where you are
You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest for most people — you can start and save your process, come back to it, and submit when ready. The phone route works if you prefer to talk through your situation with someone, though wait times vary. In-person filing at your local office makes sense if you need help with documents or have questions about what counts as medical evidence.
Before you start any process, gather your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and medical records from the doctors who treat your condition. You will also need your work history for the past 15 years, including employer names and dates worked. If you are explore based on a child's disability, you will need their birth certificate and medical records instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office; online is usually fastest.
- Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and proof of citizenship or legal residency before they can process your claim.
- The initial decision usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.
- While your process is pending, you can work and earn up to the Substantial Gainful Activity limit without affecting your claim.
What Social Security needs from you before they can decide
Social Security's decision rests on three things: proof that you have a medical condition, evidence that the condition is severe enough to prevent work, and documentation that you meet the financial and work history rules. You do not need to prove all three yourself — Social Security will pull some records — but you need to start the process by telling them which doctors have treated you and where.
List every doctor, hospital, clinic, and mental health provider who has seen you in the past three to five years. Include the dates you saw them and what they treated you for. Social Security will request medical records directly from these providers, though the process can be slow; some offices take weeks to respond. If you have recent test results, imaging, or lab work, you can upload those documents yourself during the online process to speed things up.
For work history, Social Security already has a record of your earnings from your tax returns, so you mainly need to confirm dates and employers. If you worked under a different name, had informal work, or worked outside the United States, tell Social Security during the process. They will ask about any jobs you held in the past 15 years and what you did in those jobs — this matters because Social Security needs to understand what physical and mental demands your work required.
How the online process works, step by step
Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" in the main menu. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already — this requires your email, a password, and answers to security questions. Once logged in, you will start the disability process form, which Social Security calls the "Adult Disability Report."
The form asks about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors treat it, your work history, and your living situation. You can save your progress and log back in later; Social Security will hold your incomplete process for 60 days. Once you submit, you will get a confirmation number and can check the status of your claim by logging back into your my Social Security account.
After you submit, Social Security will send you a letter within two weeks confirming they received your process. This letter will include your claim number and instructions for what to do next. If Social Security needs additional medical records or information, they will contact you by mail or phone — make sure the phone number and address on your process are current.
Filing by phone or in person
If you call 1-800-772-1213, a representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can ask questions as you go, which some people find helpful, but you cannot save and come back — you need to complete the whole process in one call. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week.
To file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in during business hours, though many offices now require you to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Bring the same documents you would upload online: your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and work history. An employee will help you fill out the form and can answer questions about what counts as evidence of disability.
What happens after you submit your process
Social Security sends your process to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office, which is a separate agency that makes the medical decision. DDS will review your medical records and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning you cannot do any work for at least 12 months or have a condition expected to result in death.
The initial decision usually takes three to six months, though cases involving complex medical conditions or incomplete medical records can take longer. Social Security will contact you if they need more information from your doctors or if they want you to see a doctor they choose for an examination. You do not have to pay for this examination — Social Security pays for it.
You will receive a written decision in the mail. If Social Security approves your claim, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If they deny your claim, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.
What to do if Social Security denies your claim
You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This means Social Security will have a different examiner review your case, usually with additional medical evidence you provide. You can submit new medical records, ask your doctors to write a statement about why you cannot work, or explain in writing why you disagree with the decision.
To request reconsideration, fill out Form SSA-561 and mail it to the address on your denial letter, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it over the phone. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This process takes longer — usually one to two years — but many people win at the hearing stage because you can present evidence and testimony in person.
While you are waiting for a decision or appealing a denial, you can continue to work. Social Security will not count your earnings against your claim as long as you stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which is $1,550 per month in 2024 (this amount changes each year). If you earn more than that, Social Security may assume you are able to work and deny your claim, though there are exceptions for certain types of work or if you are in a trial work period.
Documents you will need to gather before you start
| Document Type | Why Social Security Needs It | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security card | Confirms your Social Security number | Your wallet or Social Security office |
| Birth certificate | Proves your age and citizenship status | Vital records office in your state or county |
| Proof of citizenship or legal residency | Confirms you are may be able to access for SSDI | Passport, green card, or naturalization papers |
| Medical records from your doctors | Shows the severity and history of your condition | Request from each provider's records department |
| Work history for past 15 years | Determines if you have enough work credits | Your tax returns or employer records |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?
Yes. You can work and file at the same time as long as your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which is $1,550 per month in 2024. Social Security will not count work below this amount against your claim. If you earn more, Social Security may assume you are able to work and deny your process.
How long does it take to hear back after I submit my process?
The initial decision usually takes three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records or wants you to see a doctor for an examination. You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account online.
What if I do not have all my medical records when I explore?
You can still submit your process. During the form, list the doctors and hospitals that have treated you, and Social Security will request the records directly. Submitting what you have early is better than waiting, because Social Security can start reviewing your case while they gather the rest of the records.
Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?
You do not need a lawyer to file your initial process. Many people file on their own and are approved. A lawyer or representative can help if your claim is denied and you are appealing, since the appeals process is more complex. If you hire someone, they can charge only if you win, and Social Security caps the fee at 25 percent of your back pay.
What happens to my process if I move?
Make sure to update your address with Social Security as soon as you move. You can change your address online in your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local office. Social Security will mail all decisions and important letters to the address on file, so keeping it current is important.