Where to Start Your SSDI process in Illinois

You can start an SSDI process in three ways: online through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at an Illinois Social Security office. The online route is fastest — you can begin at ssa.gov/applyfordisability without waiting for an appointment. The process itself takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready.

If you prefer to talk to someone first, call Social Security's national line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). They can answer questions about what you'll need and schedule a phone interview or office visit. Illinois does not have a separate state SSDI program — Social Security handles all applications and decisions, though the state's Disability information Services office in Springfield reviews the medical evidence.

An in-person appointment at a local Social Security office in Illinois can be useful if you have questions about your specific situation or need help gathering documents. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling the number above. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office in Illinois.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and work history ready before you start, whether online or by phone.
  • Illinois's Disability information Services office in Springfield will review your medical evidence and make the initial decision on your claim.
  • The process process typically takes three to six months from submission to a decision, though cases involving appeals can take longer.
  • If you are denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, and you can appeal further if that is also denied.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start, whether you explore online or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or green card). Social Security will verify these with government records, but having them on hand speeds the process.

Bring your medical records — the most important piece. This includes doctor's notes, hospital discharge summaries, test results, imaging reports, and mental health treatment records. If you have seen multiple doctors, collect records from all of them. You do not need to submit everything at once; Social Security can request records directly from your providers, but providing them yourself can speed up the review.

You will also need a work history for the past 15 years, including employer names, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns. Social Security uses this to calculate your benefit amount and to confirm you have worked long enough to be insured for SSDI.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you submit, Social Security sends your process to Illinois Disability information Services (IDDS), the state agency that reviews medical evidence and makes the initial decision. IDDS typically takes 30 to 60 days to request your medical records from your doctors and review them. During this time, you may receive a letter asking for more information or authorizing Social Security to contact your providers.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If you are approved, the letter states your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin (usually the month after approval). If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration within 60 days.

The entire process from submission to initial decision usually takes three to six months. Cases that require a hearing before an administrative law judge can take one to two years. You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you create an account, or by calling Social Security.

How Illinois Disability information Services Reviews Your Case

IDDS is a separate state agency that works under contract with Social Security. They employ doctors and disability examiners who review your medical records to determine whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death.

IDDS does not make the decision based on your word or your doctor's opinion alone. They look at objective medical evidence — test results, imaging, examination findings, and treatment records. If your records do not show enough detail, IDDS may schedule a consultative examination with a doctor they choose. You do not pay for this exam; Social Security does. The exam is usually brief and focuses on the areas your medical records do not cover well.

If IDDS denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, which sends your case to a different examiner at IDDS. If that is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, who is a federal employee (not part of IDDS). The judge reviews your entire case and can overturn IDDS's decision.

Working While Your process Is Pending

You can work while your SSDI process is being reviewed. There is no rule against it, and it does not hurt your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024; this amount changes yearly), Social Security may view that as evidence you can do substantial work and deny your claim. The amount varies by year, so ask Social Security for the current limit when you explore.

If you are approved for SSDI, you can continue working under work incentives that let you test your ability to work without when ready losing benefits. The most common is the Trial Work Period, which lets you work and earn any amount for nine months without affecting your benefits. After that, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period, where you can work and earn up to the substantial gainful activity limit before benefits stop. These rules are complex, so ask Social Security to explain them when you are approved.

If Your process Is Denied

A denial does not end your case. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This sends your case to a different examiner at IDDS who reviews it from scratch. About one-third of reconsideration requests are approved. You do not need a lawyer to request reconsideration, and there is no fee.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where many people first win their cases, because a judge can weigh your testimony and your doctor's statement more heavily than IDDS did. You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial to request a hearing. At this stage, many people hire a disability lawyer, who works on contingency (you pay only if you win, and only from your back pay).

If the judge denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council in Washington, D.C., and then to federal court. These later stages are rare and usually require a lawyer.

Special Rules for Illinois Residents

Illinois has no special SSDI rules that differ from federal law. However, Illinois does run its own Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is different from SSDI. If you are approved for SSDI but have very low income and resources, you may also may have access to for SSI, which adds money to your SSDI payment. Social Security will tell you if you may have access to when you are approved for SSDI.

Illinois also administers Medicaid for SSDI recipients. Once you are approved for SSDI, you automatically may have access to for Medicaid in Illinois (after a waiting period). This is important because SSDI does not include health insurance — you must enroll in Medicare after two years of receiving SSDI benefits. Medicaid covers you during that waiting period and can continue alongside Medicare if your income is low enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I have never worked?

No. SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period. You must have earned 40 work credits (roughly 10 years of work), and if you are under 31, you need fewer credits. If you have never worked, you may may have access to for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program with no work requirement. Ask Social Security which program you might may have access to for.

How much will my SSDI benefit be in Illinois?

Your benefit is based on your lifetime earnings record, not on where you live. The average SSDI benefit is around $1,500 per month, but yours could be higher or lower. Social Security calculates it using a formula based on your highest 35 years of earnings. You can see an estimate by creating an account at ssa.gov/myaccount before you explore.

What if I move out of Illinois while my process is pending?

You can move and your process continues. Social Security is federal, so your case follows you. Tell Social Security your new address so they can mail you decisions and updates. If you move to another country, your case may be affected, so call Social Security before you move internationally.

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

You do not need a lawyer to explore or request reconsideration. Many people are approved without one. However, if you are denied reconsideration and request a hearing, a lawyer can significantly improve your chances. Disability lawyers work on contingency and are paid only if you win, so there is no upfront cost.

How do I check the status of my SSDI process?

Create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and log in to see your process status. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Processing times vary, but you should see updates as IDDS requests and reviews your medical records.