What You Need to Know Before You Begin

Cerebral palsy is a condition the Social Security Administration recognizes as potentially disabling, but you will need medical evidence showing how it limits your ability to work. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays a monthly benefit to people under full retirement age who cannot work due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The process takes time — most people wait three to six months for an initial decision, and many face a denial on the first try.

You do not need a lawyer to start, but you do need to gather your medical records before you file. The Social Security Administration will ask for documentation from every doctor, therapist, or hospital that has treated your cerebral palsy in the past three to five years. Without those records, your case will stall.

SSDI is different from SSI (Supplemental Security Income). SSDI is based on your own work history and Social Security taxes you or a family member paid. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and few assets. You may may have access to for one, both, or neither — that depends on your work record and your current income and resources.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start an SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Gather medical records from every doctor, hospital, or therapist who has treated your cerebral palsy in the past three to five years before you file.
  • The process asks about your work history, your medical condition, and how your condition affects your daily activities and ability to work.
  • After you file, Social Security will request additional medical evidence and may schedule a consultative exam with a doctor they choose.
  • Most initial decisions take three to six months; if denied, you can request reconsideration or file an appeal within 60 days.

Gather Your Medical Records Before You File

Social Security will not take your word that cerebral palsy prevents you from working. They need written evidence from the doctors who have treated you. Start by making a list of every medical provider you have seen in the past three to five years — neurologists, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, primary care doctors, and any specialists who have documented your condition.

Contact each provider's office and request your complete medical records. Ask specifically for records that show your diagnosis, your treatment history, test results (MRI, CT scans, or other imaging), notes from office visits, and any functional assessments or reports about your limitations. Some offices charge a copying fee, usually $0.25 to $1.00 per page. Request records in writing if possible, so you have proof of when you asked.

If you have been hospitalized or received inpatient rehabilitation, request those records too. If you have had surgery related to your cerebral palsy, include the operative reports and post-operative notes. Do not wait for Social Security to request these — having them ready when you file speeds up the process significantly.

Complete the SSDI process

You have three ways to file: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process is fastest if you have a Social Security account; if you do not, you can create one at ssa.gov before you start.

The process asks for basic information: your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact details. It then asks about your work history — the jobs you have held, when you worked, and how much you earned. Be as detailed as possible about your most recent job and the last time you worked. Social Security uses this information to determine whether you have enough work credits to may have access to for SSDI.

The process also asks you to describe your medical condition and how it affects you. Write clearly about how cerebral palsy limits your movement, coordination, strength, or speech. Describe specific activities you cannot do — for example, "I cannot walk more than 50 feet without pain and fatigue" or "My hand tremor makes it impossible to hold a pen or type." The more specific you are, the better.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a notice confirming they received it. This notice includes a case number and the name of the claims specialist assigned to your case. Keep this notice — you will need the case number for any future contact.

Within one to two weeks, Social Security will contact you to verify information on your process. They may ask about your work history, your current income, or your living situation. Answer these questions honestly and completely. If you cannot reach them or they cannot reach you, the process may be delayed.

Social Security will then request medical records directly from your doctors. They send a form called an Authorization to Disclose Information to each provider you listed. This gives them permission to obtain your records without your involvement. However, if you already have your records, you can submit them yourself to speed things up.

In some cases, Social Security will schedule a consultative exam with a doctor they choose and pay for. This is not a second opinion — it is a one-time evaluation to gather additional medical evidence. You do not choose the doctor, and you do not pay for the exam. The doctor will examine you, ask about your symptoms, and send a report to Social Security. This usually happens four to eight weeks after you file.

Timeline From Filing to Decision

Most initial decisions take three to six months from the date you file. Some cases move faster if your medical evidence is clear and complete; others take longer if Social Security needs additional records or a consultative exam.

You will receive your decision by mail. If approved, the letter will state your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. If denied, the letter will explain why Social Security believes you do not meet their definition of disability. Read the denial carefully — it will tell you what evidence they found insufficient and what you can do next.

If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This means Social Security will review your case again, usually with a different examiner. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is a more formal process and often takes six months to a year.

Work Credits and Your may be able to access

SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time. The amount depends on your age. If you are under 24, you need one and a half years of work in the past three years. If you are 24 to 31, you need work for half the time between age 21 and now. If you are 31 or older, you generally need 10 years of work in the past 15 years.

Social Security will check your work record automatically when you file. If you do not have enough work credits, you will be denied for SSDI but may may have access to for SSI instead, which does not require a work history. The denial letter will explain this and tell you how to file for SSI if you wish.

What to Do If You Are Denied

A denial does not mean you cannot get SSDI — it means Social Security did not find enough evidence that your cerebral palsy prevents you from working. The most common reason for denial is incomplete medical evidence. If your records do not clearly show your diagnosis, your treatment, or your functional limitations, Social Security may not have enough to approve you.

If you are denied, request reconsideration within 60 days. Gather any new medical records you did not submit the first time. If you have started new treatment, had new test results, or seen a specialist since you filed, include those records. Write a letter explaining why you believe you are disabled and attach it to your reconsideration request.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At a hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions, and have a representative speak on your behalf. Many people who are denied twice win at the hearing stage, especially if they have a lawyer or representative. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or ask your local legal aid office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while I wait for a decision?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI, but if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may conclude you can work and deny your claim. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible while your case is pending. Once approved, you can earn more through SSDI's work incentive programs.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?

No. You can file and win without a lawyer. However, if you are denied and appeal, a lawyer or representative can significantly improve your chances. Most representatives work on contingency — they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25%) only if you win, so there is no upfront cost.

What if my cerebral palsy got worse after I filed?

Tell Social Security when ready. You can submit new medical evidence at any stage of your case — during the initial review, during reconsideration, or before a hearing. New records showing worsening symptoms strengthen your case.

How much will I receive if approved?

Your monthly benefit depends on your lifetime earnings record. The average SSDI payment is around $1,500 per month, but it varies widely. Social Security will calculate your specific amount based on your earnings history. You can see an estimate by creating an account at ssa.gov and viewing your Social Security statement.

Can I file for SSDI if I have never worked?

If you have never worked, you do not have enough work credits for SSDI. You may may have access to for SSI instead, which is a needs-based program that does not require work history. When you file for SSDI, Social Security will automatically consider you for SSI if you do not may have access to for SSDI.