What you need to do to start the SSDI process

To get on SSDI, you file an process with Social Security, provide medical evidence that you have a condition that meets their definition of disability, and wait for a decision. The process has three main routes: you can explore online at ssa.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or walk into your local Social Security office. Most people start online because it is faster and you can save your work and come back to it.

The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready. Social Security will ask about your medical conditions, your work history, your medications, and the doctors or hospitals that have treated you. They will also ask about your education and any jobs you have held. You do not need a lawyer to explore, though some people hire one later if their case is denied.

After you submit, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office, which is a separate agency that makes the actual decision. This office reviews your medical records and may order new tests or ask your doctors for more information. The whole process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if Social Security needs more medical evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your SSDI 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 details about your medical conditions, your doctors, your work history, and your medications — have these ready before you start.
  • Your process goes to your state's Disability information Services office, which makes the decision independently of Social Security.
  • The decision usually takes three to six months, and you will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to appeal, and many people who are denied on their first try are approved on appeal.

Documents and information you will need before you explore

Gather these items before you start your process. You will need your Social Security number, your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport or green card), and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you are married, you will also need your spouse's Social Security number.

For the medical part, write down the names and phone numbers of every doctor, therapist, or hospital that has treated you for your condition. Include the dates you saw them and what they treated you for. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, have those nearby — you do not have to upload them with your process, but Social Security will contact your doctors to get them, and having the information organized speeds that up.

If you have worked in the past five years, list the jobs you held, the dates you worked, and how much you earned. Social Security already has this information from your tax records, but they want to hear from you about what you actually did and why you stopped working. If your condition makes it hard to remember dates, write down what you can and Social Security will fill in the rest from their records.

The online process: what to expect at each step

Start at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The site will ask you to create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. This takes about five minutes and requires your email address and a password. Once you are logged in, you will see a button that says "explore for Disability Benefits." Click it.

The process has six sections. The first asks basic information: your name, address, phone number, and email. The second asks about your medical conditions — list every condition you have, not just the main one. The third asks when your conditions started and how they affect your ability to work. Be specific: instead of "I cannot work," write "I cannot stand for more than 20 minutes" or "I forget things and cannot follow instructions."

The fourth section asks about your doctors and hospitals. Enter the name, address, and phone number of each place that has treated you. The fifth section asks about your work history — list jobs from the past 15 years. The sixth section asks about your education and any training you have. You can save your work at any point and come back later. Social Security recommends not rushing through it.

When you finish, you will see a summary page. Review it carefully. Then click "Submit." You will get a confirmation number on the screen and in your email. Write down the confirmation number — you will need it if you call Social Security with questions about your case.

explore by phone or in person

If you prefer not to explore online, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and fill it out for you. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents ready before you call, because the representative will ask for specific information and will not wait while you search for it.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times are often long. To find your office, go to ssa.gov/locator. Some offices let you schedule an appointment online or by phone, which is faster than walking in. When you arrive, tell the receptionist you want to explore for disability benefits. They will give you a form to fill out or take you to a representative who will help you.

explore by phone or in person takes longer overall because you have to fit into Social Security's schedule, but some people prefer it because they can ask questions as they go. If English is not your first language, Social Security can provide an interpreter on the phone or in person at no cost — tell them when you call or when you arrive.

What happens after you submit your process

Within two weeks, you will receive a letter in the mail confirming that Social Security received your process. This letter will include your case number and the address of the Disability information Services office handling your case. Keep this letter.

Social Security will then contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records. This can take several weeks. If your doctors are slow to respond, Social Security may contact you and ask you to sign a release form so they can get the records faster, or they may ask you to get the records yourself and send them in.

After Social Security has your medical records, the Disability information Services office reviews everything and makes a decision. If they need more information — for example, if your medical records do not clearly show how your condition affects your ability to work — they may order a consultative exam. This is a one-time appointment with a doctor chosen by Social Security, at no cost to you. The doctor will examine you and write a report for the file.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. The letter will say either "approved," "denied," or "approved for a different program." If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

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 letter to file an appeal. Do not wait — if you miss the 60-day window, you have to start over with a new process.

There are four levels of appeal. The first is called "reconsideration," which means a different Social Security office reviews your case from the beginning. You can do this on your own or with a lawyer. Many people who are denied the first time are approved on reconsideration because they submit new medical evidence or because a different reviewer sees the case differently.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testify. Many people hire a lawyer at this stage. If the judge denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and if that is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. These later stages are rare — most cases are decided at the reconsideration or hearing stage.

How much SSDI pays and when the money starts

The amount you receive each month depends on how much you earned during your working years. Social Security calculates this based on your tax records. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,500 per month, but payments range from a few hundred dollars to over $3,000 depending on your earnings history. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

Your first payment arrives the month after you are approved. If you are approved in March, your first payment comes in April. The money is deposited directly into your bank account — Social Security no longer sends checks. If you do not have a bank account, you can get a special debit card that Social Security will load your payment onto each month.

Once you are on SSDI, you can work part-time and still receive benefits, as long as your earnings stay below a certain limit. In 2024, that limit is around $1,550 per month, though it changes each year. If you earn more than that, your benefits are reduced. Social Security calls this the "substantial gainful activity" limit. Tell Social Security if you start working so they can calculate your benefits correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I have never worked?

No. SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you paid into Social Security. If you have never worked or worked very little, you may be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program for people with low income and few resources. Ask Social Security about SSI when you call or explore.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

No. You can explore on your own and many people do. However, if your case is denied and you appeal, a lawyer can help you gather evidence and prepare for a hearing. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases only get paid if you win, and they take a percentage of your back pay, so there is no upfront cost.

What if I do not have medical records from my doctors?

Tell Social Security when you explore. They will contact your doctors and ask for records. If your doctors do not have records going back very far, Social Security may order a consultative exam with a doctor they choose. You can also ask your doctors to write a letter describing your condition and how it affects your ability to work — this counts as medical evidence.

How long does the whole process take from process to first payment?

Most cases take three to six months from process to decision. If you are approved, your first payment comes the following month. If you are denied and appeal, the reconsideration stage takes another two to three months. A hearing before a judge can take six months to a year or longer depending on how busy the court is in your area.

Can I work while I am waiting for a decision on my SSDI process?

Yes. You can work while your process is being reviewed. If you are approved, Social Security will count your work history up to the month you are approved, so working during the process process does not hurt your case. However, if you earn a lot of money, it may make it harder to show that you cannot work, so be honest about your earnings when you explore.