What happens when you contact Social Security to start an SSDI claim
When you contact Social Security to begin an SSDI claim, you will speak with a representative who takes basic information about you, your work history, and your medical condition. This conversation is not a decision about whether you receive benefits — it is the start of a process that usually takes three to six months. Social Security will assign your claim a number, send you a list of documents to gather, and tell you what happens next.
You can start a claim by phone, in person at your local Social Security office, or online through your Social Security account. Phone is usually fastest if your local office has long wait times. The representative will ask about your birth date, Social Security number, work history, the date your condition began, and the names of doctors who have treated you. Have this information ready before you call.
After the initial contact, Social Security sends you a detailed letter explaining what medical records and work documents they need. You do not have to gather everything before you call — but the sooner you send what they ask for, the sooner they can make a decision.
Key Takeaways
- You can start an SSDI claim by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at your local office, or online through ssa.gov if you have a Social Security account.
- The initial call takes 15 to 30 minutes and collects basic information about your work history, medical condition, and doctors — you do not need all documents ready to call.
- Social Security sends you a written list of specific documents they need, including medical records from your doctors and proof of your work history.
- The entire process from initial contact to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if medical records are delayed.
- You can have a representative, family member, or attorney help you gather documents and communicate with Social Security throughout the process.
Choosing how to start your claim: phone, online, or in person
Phone is the fastest route for most people. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and a list of your doctors' names and addresses ready. The call usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Online is an option if you already have a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You can start a claim without calling, but you will still need to provide the same information and eventually speak with someone to verify details. Online is useful if you prefer to work at your own pace or if you have hearing difficulties and use a relay service.
In person at your local Social Security office works if you prefer face-to-face conversation or if you need help reading or writing. Find your office at ssa.gov/locator. Offices are usually less crowded in the morning. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors. You may wait 30 minutes to an hour even with an appointment.
Documents Social Security will ask you to send
After your initial contact, Social Security sends you a letter listing the specific documents they need. The list varies depending on your situation, but typically includes medical records, work history, and proof of income. Do not wait for Social Security to ask for each document one at a time — send everything on the list as soon as you have it.
Medical records are the most important. Social Security needs records from every doctor who has treated your condition in the past three years, including test results, imaging reports, and notes from office visits. If your doctor's office charges a copying fee, ask Social Security whether they will reimburse it — many will. Request records in writing and ask for an estimated delivery date; some offices take weeks to respond.
Work history documents include your last W-2 or tax return, recent pay stubs, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years with the dates you worked and the names of employers. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. Social Security can verify some work history through their own records, but providing documents speeds the process.
Proof of identity and citizenship includes your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you do not have an original, a certified copy from the vital records office in your state works. Social Security also needs proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
What to expect during the medical review phase
After you send your medical records, Social Security's medical consultants review them to determine whether your condition meets their definition of disability. This phase usually takes four to eight weeks. You do not need to do anything during this time except wait, but if Social Security asks for additional records from your doctors, respond within the timeframe they give you — usually 10 days.
Sometimes Social Security orders a consultative exam (CE) — a medical appointment paid for by Social Security with a doctor they choose. This happens when your medical records do not contain enough detail about your current condition, or when your records are old. You will receive a letter with the date, time, and location of the exam. Attend the appointment; missing it can delay or end your claim. Bring any recent medical records or test results you have.
Social Security may also contact your doctors directly to ask specific questions about your condition, your ability to work, and your treatment. Your doctors are not required to respond, but delays in their responses delay your claim. If your doctor is slow to respond, call their office and ask them to prioritize the Social Security request.
Timeline from process to decision
The process moves in stages, and each stage has a typical timeframe. Initial contact to receiving your document list takes one to two weeks. Gathering and sending documents takes two to eight weeks depending on how quickly your doctors respond. Medical review takes four to eight weeks. A decision letter arrives four to six weeks after the medical review is complete.
The total time from your first call to a decision is usually three to six months. Some cases move faster if your medical records are recent and complete. Others take longer if doctors are slow to respond, if Social Security orders a consultative exam, or if your case is complex. You can check the status of your claim by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
| Stage | What happens | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Initial contact | You call, explore online, or visit an office. Representative collects basic information. | 1–2 weeks to receive document list |
| Document gathering | You request medical records from doctors and gather work history documents. | 2–8 weeks depending on doctor response time |
| Medical review | Social Security consultants review your records. May order a consultative exam. | 4–8 weeks |
| Decision | Social Security sends you an approval or denial letter. | 4–6 weeks after medical review |
Getting help with your process
You can have someone help you at any stage. This person can be a family member, friend, or professional representative. If you choose a professional — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — they can charge a fee only if Social Security approves them and only after you win your case. The fee is limited to 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200.
To name someone to help you, tell the Social Security representative during your initial call, or fill out Form SSA-1696 (Authorization to Represent) and send it to Social Security. Your representative can request documents, speak with Social Security on your behalf, and help you prepare for a hearing if your claim is denied.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact your state's Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program or a local legal aid office. Both offer free or low-cost help. You can find your state's PABSS at vcu-ntdc.org or call your local bar association for legal aid referrals.
What to do if Social Security asks for more information
During your claim, Social Security may send you a letter asking for additional documents, medical records, or clarification about your work history. These letters usually give you 10 days to respond. Meet the important date — missing it can result in a denial. If you cannot gather what they ask for in 10 days, call Social Security and ask for an extension before the important date passes.
If Social Security asks you to attend a consultative exam or a hearing, the letter will include the date, time, and location. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. If you cannot make the appointment, call the number on the letter as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment without rescheduling can end your claim.
Keep copies of everything you send to Social Security. Write your claim number on each document. If Social Security says they did not receive something, you have proof you sent it. Save the tracking number or receipt if you mail documents, or take a screenshot if you upload them online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my SSDI claim is being decided?
Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI, and it does not affect the decision on your claim. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may use your work as evidence that you are not disabled. Keep records of your work limitations and any accommodations your employer provides.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
Contact your doctor and request records from the past three years. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may order a consultative exam. If you cannot afford medical care, tell Social Security — they may help you find a free or low-cost clinic, or they may make a decision based on older records if they are detailed enough.
Do I need a lawyer to start my SSDI claim?
No. You can start and manage your claim without a lawyer. A lawyer or representative is most useful if your claim is denied and you need to appeal. Many people win their first claim without representation by gathering complete medical records and responding promptly to Social Security requests.
What happens if Social Security denies my claim?
You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. The first appeal is called a reconsideration, where a different Social Security employee reviews your case. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Most people who are denied at first eventually win on appeal if they have strong medical evidence.
Can I check the status of my claim online?
Yes, if you have a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in and select "Check your claim status." You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative. Have your claim number ready. Status updates appear as your case moves through each stage.