What you need to do to file for SSDI
To file for SSDI, you submit a claim to Social Security describing your medical condition and work history. You can start the process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and personal information. The whole process takes three to six months on average, though some cases take longer.
You do not need a lawyer to file, but you will need to gather documents before you start. The most important are recent medical records from doctors who have treated your condition, proof of your Social Security number, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online, by phone, or at a Social Security office, and the online method is usually fastest.
- Social Security will ask for medical records from your doctors, so contact them now and ask them to send records to Social Security once you file.
- The process takes three to six months on average, and Social Security will contact you if they need more information.
- You can file even if you are still working, as long as your earnings stay below a certain amount each month.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of the denial letter.
Filing online through your Social Security account
The fastest way to file is through ssa.gov. You create a my Social Security account, log in, and start your SSDI claim. The online form takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You answer questions about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors have treated you, and your work history.
When you file online, Social Security sends you a confirmation number. Write it down. You will use this number if you need to call or visit an office later. After you submit, Social Security will mail you a list of documents they need. This usually arrives within two weeks.
One advantage of filing online is that you can save your progress and come back to it later if you do not finish in one sitting. You do not have to complete the whole form at once.
Filing by phone or at a Social Security office
If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213. A representative will walk you through the questions and take your information over the phone. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.
You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times vary. Some offices are busier than others. To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator, or call the number above and ask for the address.
Filing by phone or in person takes longer than online because you have to work around office hours and wait times. However, if you have questions while you are filling out the form, a representative can answer them right away.
Documents and information Social Security will ask for
Before you file, gather these documents:
- Your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card)
- A list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years, with approximate start and end dates
- Names and addresses of doctors and hospitals that have treated your condition
- Recent medical records or test results
- If you are married, your spouse's Social Security number
You do not need to have all the medical records in hand before you file. You can file first and then ask your doctors to send records to Social Security. However, the sooner you send them, the sooner Social Security can review your case.
If you do not have a birth certificate or proof of citizenship, Social Security can tell you how to get one. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what documents you have. They will tell you what else you need.
What happens after you file
After you submit your claim, Social Security sends you a letter with a confirmation number and a list of documents they need. This letter arrives within two to four weeks. The letter will tell you exactly which medical records to send and where to send them.
You can also check the status of your claim online through your my Social Security account. Log in and look for "Manage Your SSDI Claim" or a similar option. This page shows whether Social Security is still reviewing your case or whether they need more information from you.
Social Security may contact you by phone or mail to ask follow-up questions. If they call, they will ask about your medical condition, your work history, or your daily activities. Answer honestly and completely. If you miss a call or letter, call them back as soon as you can. Missing a important date can delay your case.
How long the process takes and what to expect
Most SSDI claims are decided within three to six months. Some cases take longer, especially if your medical condition is complex or if Social Security needs more records from your doctors. A few cases take a year or more.
Social Security will mail you a decision letter. The letter will say whether they approved your claim, denied it, or need more information. If they approve you, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If they deny you, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
While you are waiting for a decision, you can still work. However, if you earn more than a certain amount each month, it may affect your case. In 2024, the limit is $1,550 per month, but this amount changes each year. If you are working, tell Social Security how much you earn.
What to do if Social Security asks for more information
Social Security may ask you to send more medical records, take a medical exam, or answer more questions about your condition. This is normal and does not mean your claim will be denied. It means they need more information to make a decision.
If Social Security asks you to see a doctor for an exam, they will pay for it. The exam is called a consultative examination. A doctor hired by Social Security will examine you and write a report. This report helps Social Security understand your condition better.
Always respond to Social Security's requests within the important date they give you. If you cannot meet the important date, call them and ask for more time. Ignoring a request can cause Social Security to deny your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?
Yes. You can work and file for SSDI at the same time. However, if you earn more than a certain amount each month (currently $1,550 in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. Tell Social Security how much you earn when you file.
Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?
No. You can file on your own without a lawyer. However, if Social Security denies your claim and you appeal, some people hire a lawyer to help them. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases only get paid if you win.
What if I do not have all my medical records when I file?
You can file without all your records. After you file, Social Security will send you a list of records they need. You can ask your doctors to send them directly to Social Security. Sending records early helps speed up the process.
How much will I receive each month if I am approved?
Your monthly payment depends on your work history and how much you earned over your lifetime. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter. The average payment in 2024 is around $1,500 per month, but amounts vary widely.
What happens if Social Security denies my claim?
You have the right to appeal within 60 days of the denial letter. An appeal means asking Social Security to look at your case again. You can appeal on your own or with a lawyer. Many people are approved on appeal after being denied the first time.