The basic path from start to decision

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready. Most people start online because you can save your progress and come back to it, and you'll get a confirmation number when ready.

After you submit, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. That office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets SSDI's definition of disability. The whole process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.

You don't need a lawyer to explore, but many people hire one after a denial. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay only if you win—they don't charge you upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your SSDI process online, by phone, or at a Social Security office, and the online route lets you save your progress and return later.
  • Social Security will ask for your work history, medical records, and the names of doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition.
  • The decision process takes three to six months on average, and Social Security may contact your doctors directly to request medical evidence.
  • If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to request reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, or further appeals.
  • You can work with a disability lawyer or representative at any stage, and they are only paid if you win your case.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and your W-2 forms or tax returns from the last year you worked. If you're self-employed, bring your business tax returns for the past two years.

You'll also need a list of every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider who has treated you for the condition you're claiming disability for. Include their names, addresses, and phone numbers if you have them. Social Security will contact them directly to request your medical records, so accuracy matters—if the address is wrong, the request may not reach them.

Have your work history ready: the names of employers, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you haven't worked in several years, write down the last job you held and when it ended. Social Security uses this to understand what kind of work you're capable of doing.

Step-by-step: explore online

Go to ssa.gov and click "explore for Disability." You'll create a my Social Security account if you don't already have one. The account requires your email address and a password you create. Social Security will send you a verification code by email to confirm it's really you.

Once you're logged in, the process asks for your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then it moves to your work history. You'll enter each job you've held, starting with the most recent, and describe what you did. Be specific—"cashier" is better than "retail work," and "operated a forklift in a warehouse" is better than "warehouse."

Next, you'll describe your condition and when it started. Write down the main medical condition that prevents you from working, when you first noticed symptoms, and when you stopped working because of it. Then list every doctor, hospital, clinic, and therapist who has treated you. Social Security uses these names to pull your medical records automatically.

At the end, you'll review everything, sign electronically, and submit. You'll see a confirmation number on the screen—write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will also email it to you. Keep this number; you'll use it to check the status of your case.

explore by phone or in person

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a Social Security representative will ask you the same questions the online form does. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can call Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the main number above and ask for the address. Bring the documents listed above—your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and your work history. You don't need an appointment at most offices, but some now require one. Call ahead to check.

Whether you call or visit in person, you'll receive a confirmation number and a receipt showing the date you applied. Ask the representative to mail you a copy of what you submitted so you have a record of what Social Security received.

What happens after you submit

Social Security sends your process to your state's Disability information Services office within two weeks. That office is separate from Social Security itself and makes the medical decision about whether you meet the definition of disability. You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.

DDS will request your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This usually takes four to eight weeks. If your records don't show enough medical evidence, DDS may schedule you for a consultative examination (CE)—a free medical exam paid for by Social Security. The doctor who does the CE sends the results to DDS, not to you.

Once DDS has all the medical evidence, a disability examiner reviews it and makes a decision. You'll receive a letter in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied. If you're approved, the letter tells you when your benefits start and how much your monthly payment will be. If you're denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

If Social Security asks for more information

During the review, Social Security may send you a letter asking for specific information—medical records you haven't provided, clarification about your work history, or details about your condition. The letter will have a important date, usually 10 days. If you miss the important date, Social Security may deny your case, so respond as soon as you can.

If you can't get the information by the important date, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an extension. Many examiners will give you 10 more days if you ask before the important date passes. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the new important date.

If Social Security schedules a consultative examination, you'll receive a letter with the date, time, and location. The exam is free and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Bring your ID and any medical records you have. If you can't make the appointment, call the number on the letter and ask to reschedule—missing the appointment without rescheduling can result in a denial.

Understanding the decision letter

If you're approved, your decision letter states your "onset date" (the date your disability began) and your "established onset of entitlement" (the date you become may be able to access for benefits). These dates determine when your payments start. SSDI has a five-month waiting period, so even if your onset date is in January, you won't receive your first check until June.

The letter also explains your work incentives—programs that let you work part-time or test your ability to work without losing benefits when ready. The most common is the Trial Work Period, which lets you work and earn money for nine months without affecting your benefits. After that, Social Security counts your earnings to decide if you're still disabled.

If you're denied, the letter explains the reason. Common reasons include: your condition doesn't meet Social Security's definition of disability, your medical records don't show you can't work, or you haven't been disabled long enough (SSDI requires that your condition last at least 12 months or result in death). The letter also tells you that you have 60 days to request reconsideration—the first step of the appeal process.

What to do if you're denied

You have the right to appeal a denial. The appeal process has four levels: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court. Most people who appeal eventually win, but the process takes time—often one to three years from start to finish.

Request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. You can do this online, by phone, or in person using the same methods as your original process. At reconsideration, a different examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you've gathered. If you've seen a doctor since your first process, get those new records and include them.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where many people win. The judge reviews your medical records and may ask you questions about your condition and your work history. You can bring a lawyer or representative to the hearing, and many people do. A lawyer can help you prepare and present your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most decisions come within three to six months, but some take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records or schedules a consultative exam. You can check your case status anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No, you can explore on your own. Many people do. However, if Social Security denies your process and you decide to appeal, a lawyer or representative who specializes in disability cases can significantly improve your chances. They only charge you if you win.

What if I'm still working when I explore?

You can explore even if you're working, but Social Security will look at how much you earn. In 2024, if you earn more than $1,550 per month, Social Security may decide you're not disabled. The exact amount changes each year. Part-time or low-wage work usually doesn't disqualify you.

Can I explore if I don't have all my medical records?

Yes. Social Security will request your records directly from your doctors and hospitals using the names and addresses you provide. However, if you have recent records, including them with your process can speed up the process. You can mail or upload them through your my Social Security account.

What happens to my process if I move?

Update your address with Social Security as soon as you move. You can do this online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. If Social Security can't reach you by mail, they may deny your case, so keeping your address current is important.