What happens when you file for SSDI
When you file for Social Security Disability Insurance, you are asking the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review your medical records and work history to decide whether you meet their definition of disabled. The SSA will assign your claim a number, send you a receipt, and then take several months to make a decision. You do not pay a fee to file, and you can file online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
The process itself has three main parts: you provide information about your condition and work history, the SSA obtains your medical records, and a decision-maker reviews everything to say yes or no. Most people are denied the first time. If that happens, you can ask for reconsideration or file an appeal, which is a separate process with its own timeline.
Key Takeaways
- You can start a claim online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
- The SSA will ask about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors have treated you, and your work history for the past 15 years.
- You should gather medical records, test results, and a list of medications before you file, because the SSA will ask for these details.
- The SSA takes three to six months to make a decision on most claims, and you will receive a written notice in the mail telling you whether you were approved or denied.
- If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to ask for reconsideration or file an appeal.
Starting your claim online, by phone, or in person
The fastest way to file is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You will need a Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a way to receive mail at your current address. The online form takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and come back to it later. When you finish, the SSA will give you a confirmation number and tell you what happens next.
If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and file your claim while you are on the call. You will receive a receipt in the mail within two weeks.
You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times vary. To find your office, go to ssa.gov and search for the office nearest you by ZIP code. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). An employee will file your claim and give you a receipt before you leave.
Information the SSA will ask for
The SSA needs to understand your medical condition, when it began, and how it affects your ability to work. Be ready to answer questions about your diagnosis, the symptoms you experience every day, which medications you take, and the names and addresses of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you in the past few years. If you have had surgery, imaging tests, or lab work, the SSA will want to know about those too.
You will also answer questions about your work history. The SSA asks for the names of employers, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did for the past 15 years. If you have not worked recently, explain why — whether you stopped because of your condition, a layoff, or another reason. The SSA uses this information to understand whether your condition prevents you from doing the work you have done before.
Have a list of your current medications written down before you file, including the name of each drug and the dose. If you see multiple doctors, write down their names, phone numbers, and the dates of your most recent visits. The SSA will contact them directly to request your records, so accurate contact information speeds up the process.
Gathering medical records and documentation
You do not have to submit medical records when you file — the SSA will request them from your doctors and hospitals after you submit your claim. However, having copies of recent records on hand helps you answer questions accurately during the filing process. If you have test results, imaging reports, or letters from your doctor describing your condition, those are useful to reference.
Request copies of your medical records from each doctor or hospital that has treated you. Most offices charge a small fee (usually $10 to $50) and take one to two weeks to send them. You can ask for records in person, by mail, or sometimes online through a patient portal. Start this process before you file if you can, but do not delay filing while waiting for records — the SSA will obtain them themselves.
If you have a letter from your doctor stating that you cannot work, bring that with you or mention it during your filing. Some doctors provide a form called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment, which describes the physical and mental tasks you can and cannot do. This document is very helpful to the SSA, though it is not required to file.
What happens after you submit your claim
After you file, the SSA sends you a receipt letter with a claim number. Keep this number — you will use it to check on your claim status and to contact the SSA if you have questions. You can check your status online at ssa.gov using your claim number, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
The SSA then requests your medical records from the doctors and facilities you listed. This step usually takes two to four weeks. Once the SSA has your records, a disability examiner reviews your file to decide whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability. This review takes another one to three months. The total time from filing to a decision is usually three to six months, though some claims take longer if the SSA needs additional medical information.
During this waiting period, continue treating with your doctors and keep taking your medications. If your condition changes, your treatment changes, or you have new test results, you can contact the SSA and ask them to add this information to your file. Do not wait until after a decision to report changes.
Understanding the decision letter
The SSA will mail you a written decision letter. If you are approved, the letter explains when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. SSDI payments usually start the month after you are approved, though the exact timing depends on when your disability began.
If you are denied, the letter explains the reason. Common reasons include: the SSA found that your condition does not meet their medical criteria, your condition is not expected to last 12 months or result in death, or the SSA believes you can still do some type of work. The denial letter also tells you that you have 60 days from the date on the letter to ask for reconsideration or file an appeal if you disagree.
Read the entire decision letter carefully, even if you were approved. It contains important information about your payment amount, when payments start, and what you must report to the SSA going forward (such as changes in your medical treatment or if you return to work).
What to do if your claim is denied
If you are denied, you have options. Within 60 days of the date on your denial letter, you can request reconsideration, which means a different disability examiner will review your file from the beginning. You can submit new medical records or a new letter from your doctor with reconsideration. Many people are denied the first time and approved on reconsideration, so this step is worth pursuing if you believe the SSA made a mistake.
To request reconsideration, contact your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213, or file online at ssa.gov. Tell the SSA that you want to request reconsideration and explain why you disagree with the decision. If you have new medical information, submit it at the same time.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which is the next step in the appeal process. An ALJ is an independent decision-maker who will review your case and may ask you questions about your condition and work history. Hearings usually happen six to twelve months after you request one. Many people win at the hearing stage, especially if they have strong medical evidence or representation from a disability advocate or attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI if I have never worked?
No. SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time. The exact requirement depends on your age, but generally you need at least 20 work credits in the past 10 years. If you have never worked, you may be able to file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program with different rules.
What if I am still working when I file?
You can file while working, but your earnings may affect your case. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (the amount changes each year), the SSA may decide you are not disabled because you are able to work. Report your current income honestly when you file — the SSA will verify it through tax records anyway.
How much does it cost to file for SSDI?
There is no fee to file for SSDI. The SSA does not charge you to submit a claim or to appeal a denial. If you hire a lawyer to represent you in an appeal, the lawyer can take up to 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began), but this comes from your payment, not from your pocket.
Can someone file for me if I cannot do it myself?
Yes. A family member, friend, or representative can file on your behalf. They will need your Social Security number, proof of your citizenship, and your permission. You can also appoint a representative payee to manage your benefits if you are approved, though that is a separate process that happens after approval.
What if I do not have all my medical records when I file?
You do not need to have all your records before you file. The SSA will request them from your doctors after you submit your claim. However, if you have recent records available, providing them can speed up the process. If you are missing records from an old doctor, tell the SSA the doctor's name and the dates you were treated, and they will try to locate the records.