What You Need to Know Before You Start

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You explore through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through a separate disability office. The process takes time — most decisions take three to six months, though some cases take longer — and you will likely need medical records from your doctors.

You do not need a lawyer to explore, but you do need to understand what the SSA will ask for and what happens at each step. This guide walks you through the actual process process, what documents to gather, and what to expect when the SSA reviews your case.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years to be found disabled; the exact requirement depends on your age.
  • The SSA will request medical records from your doctors, so contact them now and ask them to keep records organized and current.
  • You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • If the SSA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal; most people who appeal with new medical evidence have better outcomes than those who do not.
  • The entire process from process to a final decision can take one to three years if you need to appeal.

Check Your Work History Before You explore

The SSA requires you to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a minimum number of years. This is called having "insured status." The number of years you need depends on your age when you become disabled. If you are under 24, you may need only one and a half years of work in the three years before you became disabled. If you are 31 or older, you typically need to have worked at least 10 years total, with five of those years in the 10 years before you became disabled.

Before you start the process, log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov or create one. Your account shows your earnings record and tells you whether you have enough work credits. One work credit equals roughly $1,470 in earnings (this amount changes yearly). You earn up to four credits per year. If your record is incomplete or wrong, contact the SSA to correct it before you explore for disability — errors now mean delays later.

Gather Your Medical Records and Work History

The SSA will ask for medical evidence to support your claim. Start by contacting every doctor, therapist, hospital, and clinic that has treated you for your condition. Ask them to send your complete medical records to the SSA. Include records from the past 12 months at minimum, but older records help too — they show how long your condition has lasted. If you have had surgery, imaging tests, lab work, or mental health treatment, those records are especially important.

You will also 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. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. Gather pay stubs or W-2 forms if you have them. The SSA uses this information to confirm your work history and to understand what kind of work you did — this matters because they will assess whether you can do that work or any other work despite your condition.

Keep copies of everything you send to the SSA. Write down the date you send documents and what you sent. The SSA receives thousands of applications daily, and records sometimes get lost in the mail or between offices.

Start Your process Online, by Phone, or In Person

You have three ways to explore. The fastest is usually online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and come back later. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and information about your medical condition and doctors.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to explore by phone. The call takes about 30 minutes. An SSA representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will schedule a follow-up appointment to go over your medical history in more detail.

If you prefer to explore in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors and hospitals. An SSA employee will help you fill out the form. Wait times at offices vary widely — some have same-day appointments, others have waits of several weeks.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you submit your process, the SSA sends it to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. This is a separate agency that reviews the medical evidence and decides whether you meet the SSA's definition of disability. The DDS office will contact your doctors to request records if you have not already sent them. This step alone can take four to eight weeks.

Once the DDS has your medical records, a doctor or psychologist employed by the DDS reviews them. They are not your doctor — they work for the government and are assessing whether your condition prevents you from working. They may order additional tests or ask your doctors specific questions. If they need more information, they will contact you or your doctors directly.

The DDS office will mail you a decision letter. The letter explains whether they found you disabled and, if not, why they denied your claim. Keep this letter — you will need it if you appeal. The entire DDS review usually takes two to four months, though some cases take longer if medical records are incomplete or if the case is complex.

Understanding a Denial and Your Right to Appeal

If the DDS denies your claim, 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 this important date, you have to start a new process from the beginning.

There are four levels of appeal. The first is called reconsideration. You submit new medical evidence — usually records from your doctors showing your condition has worsened or new test results — and the DDS reviews the case again with a different examiner. This takes another two to four months. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many people succeed, because you can present evidence in person and answer questions about your condition and your work history. ALJ hearings typically happen four to eight months after you request one.

If the ALJ denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and if that is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. Most people who reach the ALJ hearing stage with strong medical evidence have a better chance of approval than those who do not appeal at all.

What to Do While You Wait for a Decision

The SSA may offer you Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while your SSDI case is pending if your income and resources are very low. SSI is a separate program with different rules, but it can provide temporary monthly payments. Ask about SSI when you explore for SSDI.

If you are approved for SSDI, your first payment comes the month after you are approved. The amount depends on your lifetime earnings record — the higher your earnings, the higher your benefit. You can check your estimated benefit amount in your Social Security account online.

Keep your doctors updated on your condition and continue treatment. The SSA will review your case periodically to confirm you are still disabled. If you stop treatment or your condition improves, the SSA may stop your benefits. If your condition worsens, ask your doctors to document that in your medical records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI case is pending?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), the SSA may decide you are able to work and deny your claim. Keep your earnings below this amount or be prepared to explain why you cannot work consistently despite earning some income.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

No. You can explore and appeal on your own. However, many people hire a lawyer or representative after a denial, especially before an ALJ hearing. If you are approved, the lawyer's fee is limited by law — they can charge only 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200.

What if my doctors will not send records to the SSA?

Call your doctor's office and ask them to send records directly to the SSA. If they refuse, you can request your records yourself and mail them to the DDS office. The address is on your process confirmation letter. Some doctors charge a small fee for copies, usually $10 to $25.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months. If you appeal, reconsideration takes another two to four months. An ALJ hearing can take four to eight months to schedule after you request it. The entire process from process to final decision can take one to three years.

What if I disagree with the medical evidence the SSA uses?

You can submit your own medical evidence, including letters from your doctors explaining why you cannot work. This is especially important if the SSA's doctor disagreed with your treating doctor. New, detailed medical evidence is the strongest reason to appeal a denial.