What you need to do to start your SSDI claim

To begin an SSDI claim, you contact Social Security directly and provide information about your medical condition, work history, and current income. Social Security does not take claims through third-party websites or phone numbers you find online — you must go through Social Security's own channels. The process takes place over several weeks or months, and you will need to gather documents before you start.

You have three ways to begin: in person at your local Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online through Social Security's website at ssa.gov. The online method is fastest if your condition and situation are straightforward. If you have complex medical history or language needs, the in-person route often moves more smoothly because you can ask questions as you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact Social Security directly — either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office — to start your claim.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and work history information ready before you begin, whether you start online or by phone.
  • Social Security will ask you to describe your condition, how it limits your work, and what jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office, which makes the decision and contacts you with the result.
  • The entire process from submission to decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence.

Documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you contact Social Security. Having them ready speeds up the process, whether you are filling out forms online or answering questions on the phone. If you do not have all of them, you can still start your claim — Social Security will tell you what else they need.

You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a copy of your birth certificate. Bring or have available your most recent tax return or W-2 forms to show your work history. If you are self-employed, bring your business tax returns from the past two years. You also need the names and dates of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the names of your employers and the dates you worked there.

For your medical condition, gather the names and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you. Write down the dates of your most recent visits and what you were treated for. If you have medical records, test results, or imaging reports, bring copies of those too. Social Security will request official records from your providers, but having your own copies helps you remember details and speeds up the process.

The three ways to start your claim

Online through ssa.gov: Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability Benefits." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The online form asks about your medical condition, work history, and current living situation. You can save your progress and come back later if you need to. Once you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation number. This route is usually fastest because there is no wait time and you can work at your own pace.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Tell the representative you want to file for SSDI. They will ask you the same questions as the online form and enter your information into their system. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

In person: Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to get the address and hours. Bring the documents listed above. A representative will help you fill out the process and answer questions about your condition and work history. This method works well if you need language help, have difficulty reading or writing, or want to ask detailed questions about the process.

What Social Security asks you during the claim process

Social Security's questions focus on three areas: what your medical condition is, how it stops you from working, and what you have worked at in the past. Be specific and honest in your answers. Vague descriptions slow down the process because Social Security will have to ask follow-up questions.

For your condition, describe what is wrong with you in plain terms — for example, "I have severe arthritis in both knees that makes it painful to stand for more than 10 minutes" rather than just "arthritis." Explain how your condition affects daily tasks like walking, sitting, lifting, or concentrating. If you have multiple conditions, describe each one and how they work together to limit you.

For your work history, list every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, what you did, how long you worked there, and why you left. Social Security uses this to understand what kind of work you have done and whether your condition prevents you from doing that work or any other work.

What happens after you submit your claim

After you submit, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office. This is a separate agency that reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet SSDI's definition of disability. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you that your case has been received and giving you a case number.

Disability information Services will request medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This can take several weeks. If they need more information, they may ask you to see a doctor for an examination, which Social Security pays for. You will receive a notice about any appointment before it is scheduled.

Once they have all the medical evidence, Disability information Services makes a decision and mails you a letter. The letter says whether you have been approved or denied. If you are approved, it tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.

Timeline from submission to decision

Most SSDI claims take three to six months from the date you submit to the date you receive a decision. Some take longer. The timeline depends on how quickly your doctors respond to Social Security's requests for records, whether your medical condition is straightforward or complex, and how busy your state's Disability information Services office is.

If Social Security needs you to have a medical examination, add two to four weeks to the timeline. If your case is denied and you request reconsideration, the second review takes another three to six months. If you appeal to an administrative law judge, the wait can be one to two years depending on your state.

You can check the status of your claim by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Have your case number ready when you call.

What to do if you need help filling out your claim

If you have trouble understanding the questions or filling out the form, you can ask Social Security for help at no cost. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to file over the phone instead of online. A representative will walk you through each question.

You can also work with a disability advocate or lawyer who specializes in SSDI claims. Some charge a fee only if you win your case — Social Security limits what they can charge to 25 percent of your back pay, up to $6,000. Others offer free help through legal aid organizations or disability advocacy groups. Search for "free disability help" plus your state name to find local resources.

If English is not your primary language, Social Security offers interpreters at no cost. Tell them your language when you call or visit in person, and they will arrange an interpreter for your appointment or phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start my SSDI claim online if I do not have a computer?

Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 to file over the phone, or visit your local Social Security office in person. Both methods work just as well as the online form. You do not need a computer or internet to start your claim.

What if I do not have all my medical records when I submit?

You can still submit your claim. Give Social Security the names and phone numbers of your doctors and hospitals, and they will request the records for you. It is faster if you provide the records yourself, but Social Security will get them either way.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?

No. You can file on your own at no cost. A lawyer or advocate can help if your claim is denied and you want to appeal, but many people win their first claim without legal help. Consider getting help if your condition is complex or your first claim is denied.

What if I miss a important date or Social Security asks for information I cannot find?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain what you are missing. They can extend important date and help you locate records. Do not ignore a request from Social Security — contact them instead to say what you need help with.

Can I work while my SSDI claim is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not hurt your claim. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. The amount changes each year. Tell Social Security about any work you do when you file.