Where to start your SSDI process in Illinois

You can start your SSDI process in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people in Illinois start online because you can save your progress and come back to it, and you do not have to wait on hold. If you call, have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records information ready before you dial.

The online process is called iClaim and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete the first time through. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. If you start online and need help, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to finish over the phone with a representative.

If you prefer to explore in person, Illinois has Social Security offices in Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, and smaller cities throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office in Illinois.
  • The online process (iClaim) takes 15 to 20 minutes and lets you save your progress and return later.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, work history, and tax returns from the past two years.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends you a list of documents they need; you have 30 days to return them or your process may be denied.
  • The decision process usually takes three to six months, but you can check the status of your process in your my Social Security account.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or green card). Have your driver's license or state ID ready as well.

Social Security will also ask about your medical conditions and treatment. Write down the names and phone numbers of all doctors, therapists, hospitals, or clinics you have seen in the past year. Include the dates you saw them and what you were treated for. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, gather those too.

You will need to list every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked, what you did, and how much you earned. Bring your last two years of tax returns (1040 forms) and your most recent pay stub. If you are self-employed, bring your business tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.

What happens after you submit your process

Once you submit your process online, by phone, or in person, Social Security sends you a notice in the mail within a few days. This notice lists the documents they need from you to process your claim. You have 30 days to send them in. If you miss the important date, Social Security may deny your process, and you would have to start over.

The fastest way to send documents is to upload them to your my Social Security account if you applied online. You can also mail them to the address on the notice, fax them, or bring them in person to your local office. Take photos or scans of both sides of any ID or insurance cards.

After Social Security receives your documents, they send them to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Illinois. DDS is the state agency that makes the medical decision about whether you meet the definition of disability under Social Security rules. This part of the process usually takes two to four months.

How long the decision takes

The entire SSDI decision process in Illinois usually takes three to six months from the day you submit your process. Some cases move faster if your medical records are clear and complete. Others take longer if Social Security needs to request additional records from your doctors or if they order a medical exam.

You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account on ssa.gov. The account shows you what documents Social Security has received and what they are still waiting for. If documents are missing, the status page tells you which ones.

If you do not hear back within six months, call 1-800-772-1213 and give the representative your process number (from your initial notice). They can tell you where your case is in the review process and whether DDS is waiting for anything from you.

What to do if Social Security asks for more information

During the review, Social Security or DDS may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative exam. This is a free medical appointment that Social Security arranges and pays for. The doctor will examine you and send a report to DDS. You do not have to pay anything, and you should go to this appointment even if you have your own doctors.

Social Security may also send you a form called a Function Report. This form asks detailed questions about what you can and cannot do in a typical day—how far you can walk, whether you can lift things, how long you can sit, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Answer these questions honestly and thoroughly. This form is often the most important part of your case.

If you receive a notice asking for information or documents, respond within the important date given. If you cannot meet the important date, call the number on the notice and ask for an extension. Social Security will usually give you 10 to 14 more days.

Understanding the decision notice

When Social Security makes a decision, they send you a notice in the mail. If you are approved, the notice tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. SSDI payments begin the month after you have been disabled for five full months (called the waiting period). Your first payment usually arrives within two weeks of approval.

If you are denied, the notice explains the reason. The most common reasons are that Social Security found you can still do some type of work, or that your medical condition does not meet their definition of disability. The notice also tells you how to request reconsideration, which is a free review of your case by a different examiner.

You have 60 days from the date on the notice to request reconsideration. You can do this by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or mailing a written request to the address on your notice. If you request reconsideration, Social Security reviews your entire case again, and you can send in new medical evidence.

Getting help with your Illinois SSDI process

If you need help understanding the process or filling out your process, you can contact a free resource called a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project. Illinois has WIPA offices in Chicago and other cities. They answer questions about SSDI, how work affects your benefits, and what happens if you return to work. Call 1-866-968-7842 to find the office near you.

You can also work with a disability advocate or attorney who specializes in SSDI cases. These professionals charge a fee only if you win your case, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed to you from the date you became disabled). You do not pay anything upfront. To find a may have access to representative, visit the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) website.

Social Security also has a toll-free number for general questions: 1-800-772-1213. Representatives can answer questions about the process process, check the status of your case, or help you understand a notice you received. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes. You can work and still file for SSDI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you can do substantial work and deny your claim. The amount changes each year. If you are working, tell Social Security how much you earn and what your job duties are when you file.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to gather all your records before you explore. Start your process with the information you have, and Social Security will request the records directly from your doctors and hospitals. However, the faster you send in records, the faster your case moves. Ask your doctors' offices to send records to Social Security as soon as possible.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI in Illinois?

No. Many people are approved without a lawyer. However, if your case is denied and you request reconsideration or a hearing, a lawyer or advocate can significantly improve your chances. You only pay them if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay, not from your pocket.

What is the difference between explore online and in person?

The process itself is the same. Online (iClaim) is faster because you can work at your own pace and save your progress. In person takes longer because you have to wait for an appointment, but a representative can answer questions as you go. Both methods lead to the same decision process.

Can I check my process status online?

Yes. If you created a my Social Security account when you applied, you can log in anytime to see what documents Social Security has received and what they are still waiting for. The status updates as your case moves through the review process. If you did not create an account, you can make one now at ssa.gov.