What forms you'll need to send in

Social Security uses two main forms to start a disability claim. The first is Form SSA-16, called the process for Disability Insurance Benefits. The second is Form SSA-3368, the Adult Disability Report. You send both together when you explore in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through your Social Security account.

You do not need to fill out every form Social Security publishes. The office will tell you which additional forms you need based on your situation — for example, if you have a child who may also receive benefits, or if you worked outside the United States. Start with these two, and the office will ask for more if they need it.

If you are explore online through your Social Security account, the website walks you through the questions and generates the forms for you. You do not type them out yourself. If you are explore by mail or in person, you can read the blank forms from ssa.gov or ask for them at your local office.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SSA-16 (process for Disability Insurance Benefits) and Form SSA-3368 (Adult Disability Report) are the two forms you start with for every SSDI claim.
  • explore online through your Social Security account is the fastest route because the website fills in your personal information automatically and generates the forms for you.
  • If you explore by mail or in person, you can get blank forms from ssa.gov or your local Social Security office, and you fill them out by hand or on your computer before sending them in.
  • Social Security will ask for additional forms only if your situation requires them — you do not need to guess which ones or send extra paperwork upfront.
  • The Adult Disability Report asks detailed questions about your medical history, work history, and daily activities, so gather your medical records and dates of employment before you start.

What Form SSA-16 asks you

Form SSA-16 is the official process. It collects your basic information: your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and phone number. It also asks whether you have worked in the last 15 years, when you became unable to work, and whether you have already filed for benefits under a different program (like workers' compensation or unemployment insurance).

The form is short — usually four to six pages depending on your situation. Most of the questions are yes-or-no or ask for dates. You do not write essays on this form. If you are explore online, Social Security pulls much of this information from your existing account, so you only fill in what has changed.

What Form SSA-3368 asks you

Form SSA-3368, the Adult Disability Report, is longer and more detailed. It asks about your medical conditions, when they started, which doctors you see, what medications you take, and how your conditions affect your ability to work and do daily tasks. It also asks about your work history — the jobs you have held, the dates you worked, and what you did in each job.

This form is where you describe your disability in your own words. Social Security uses your answers to understand what you cannot do and to decide whether your condition meets their definition of disability. The more specific you are about how your condition limits you, the clearer the picture Social Security gets.

You will need to have your medical records, doctor names and phone numbers, and dates of employment handy when you fill this out. If you do not have exact dates, write down what you remember — Social Security can contact your doctors and employers to verify the details.

How to get the forms

Online through your Social Security account: Go to ssa.gov, sign in to your account, and look for the option to file a new claim. The website will guide you through the questions and create the forms automatically. This is the fastest method because you do not have to print, mail, or hand-deliver anything.

By mail: read Form SSA-16 and Form SSA-3368 from ssa.gov. Print them, fill them out, and mail them to your local Social Security office. You can find your office's mailing address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Mail takes longer than explore online, so allow extra time for delivery and processing.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office with your identification and Social Security card. Staff can give you the blank forms and help you fill them out on the spot. Some offices have computers available so you can explore online right there. Call ahead to ask whether your office offers this service and whether you need an appointment.

Documents to gather before you start

You do not have to send documents with your process, but having them ready makes filling out the forms faster and more accurate. Gather the following if you have them:

  • A list of all doctors you have seen in the past five years, with their names, phone numbers, and the dates you saw them
  • Names and dosages of all medications you currently take
  • Dates you worked at each job in the past 15 years, and the names of your employers
  • A description of what you did in each job (your job title and main duties)
  • Your birth certificate or passport
  • Your Social Security card
  • Recent pay stubs or tax returns if you are self-employed

If you do not have all of this information, do not wait. Fill out the forms with what you know, and Social Security will contact your doctors and employers to fill in the gaps. Incomplete forms do not slow down your claim — Social Security expects to do some of the legwork.

What happens after you send the forms in

Once Social Security receives your forms, they send you a notice with a claim number. Keep this number — you will use it if you need to check on your claim or call Social Security with questions. Social Security then sends a request to your doctors asking for your medical records. This usually takes two to four weeks.

While Social Security is gathering your records, you do not need to do anything unless they contact you. If they need more information from you — for example, if they want you to see a doctor for an examination — they will send you a letter with instructions. Read these letters carefully and follow the important date, because missing a important date can delay your claim.

The entire process from sending in your forms to receiving a decision usually takes three to six months, though some claims take longer. You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your Social Security account or calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the forms online even if I do not have a Social Security account?

You will need to create an account first, which takes about 10 minutes. Go to ssa.gov and look for the option to create a my Social Security account. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security). Once your account is set up, you can start your process.

What if I do not know all the dates on the forms?

Write down what you remember and leave the rest blank. Social Security contacts your doctors and employers to verify dates, so they do not expect you to have perfect records. If you remember the month and year but not the exact day, that is enough. Do not guess or make up dates — Social Security can tell the difference between an estimate and a guess.

Do I have to send medical records with my process?

No. Social Security requests your records directly from your doctors after you send in your forms. Sending records yourself can actually slow things down because Social Security may end up requesting them again. Let Social Security handle it. If you want to send records anyway, include a cover letter with your claim number so they know which claim the records belong to.

What if I make a mistake on the forms?

If you are explore online, you can go back and edit your answers before you submit. If you already submitted and realize you made a mistake, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your claim number and tell them what needs to be corrected. They can update your file over the phone. Do not send in new forms — that can create confusion.

Can someone else fill out the forms for me?

Yes. A family member, friend, or representative can help you fill out the forms or submit them on your behalf. If a lawyer or advocate is helping you, they can submit the forms for you. You will still need to sign the forms (or authorize someone to sign on your behalf), and Social Security will contact you to confirm the information is correct.