What an SSDI claim is and how it starts

An SSDI claim is your formal request to Social Security for disability benefits. When you file a claim, you are telling Social Security that you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and asking them to review your case. The process begins the moment you submit your process — either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Social Security does not make a decision right away. Instead, your claim enters a queue where it will be reviewed by a team that includes a medical consultant and a disability examiner. That team will request your medical records, contact your doctors, and build a file about your condition. This takes time — weeks or months — and you will not hear anything until Social Security has finished gathering information and made a decision.

The claim itself is free. Social Security does not charge you to file, and you do not need a lawyer to start one. Many people file on their own and receive benefits without ever hiring representation.

Key Takeaways

  • Your claim begins when you submit an process online, by phone, or at a Social Security office, and Social Security will contact you if they need more information.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if your medical records are hard to obtain or your condition is complex.
  • You will receive a written decision in the mail that explains whether you were approved, denied, or approved for a different program than you requested.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal receive a hearing before a judge within one to two years.
  • You can work with a representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — but you only pay them if your claim is approved and you receive back pay.

What Social Security asks for when you file

When you start an SSDI claim, Social Security will ask for basic information: your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and work history. They will also ask you to describe your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. You do not need to have all your medical records ready before you file — Social Security will request them directly from your doctors and hospitals.

However, having some information ready makes the process smoother. Gather the names and phone numbers of all doctors and specialists who have treated you for your condition. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, keep those handy. Social Security will ask for them, and having them available speeds up the review.

You will also need to list your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles and the dates you worked. If you stopped working because of your condition, be clear about when that happened and why.

How long a decision takes

Most SSDI decisions come within three to six months. Some come faster — a few weeks if your medical evidence is clear and your case is straightforward. Others take longer if Social Security needs to request records from multiple doctors, if your doctors are slow to respond, or if your condition requires specialized medical review.

You can check the status of your claim online through your my Social Security account, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative. Social Security will not call you unless they need additional information from you — so if you hear nothing, that usually means they are still gathering records.

If your case is taking longer than six months and you have not heard anything, contact your local Social Security office. Sometimes records get lost in the mail or requests do not reach doctors. A phone call can identify the hold-up and move things forward.

What the decision letter says

When Social Security makes a decision, they send you a letter in the mail. The letter will say one of three things: you were approved for SSDI, you were denied, or you were approved for a different program (usually Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, if you have very low income and resources).

If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. SSDI payments are based on your work history and the taxes you paid into Social Security, so the amount varies from person to person. The letter will also explain any work incentives you may be able to use — programs that let you work part-time while still receiving benefits.

If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason. Common reasons include: your condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, your medical evidence does not show you cannot work, or you do not have enough work history to may have access to. The denial letter will also tell you how to appeal.

What to do if your claim is denied

A denial is not the end. You have the right to appeal, and you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request an appeal. Most people who appeal go on to receive benefits — the first decision is often not the final one.

There are four levels of appeal. The first is called reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your case from the start. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where most people succeed — a judge will listen to your case, review your medical evidence, and often hear from a vocational informed about whether you can work. If the judge denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court.

You do not have to go through all four levels. Many people stop after the hearing stage because that is where they receive approval. The hearing usually happens one to two years after you request it, though timing varies by region.

Working with a representative on your claim

You can hire a lawyer or a non-lawyer representative to help with your claim at any stage — when you file, during reconsideration, or before a hearing. Representatives know how to present medical evidence, what questions judges ask, and how to strengthen a weak case.

You only pay a representative if your claim is approved and you receive back pay — money owed to you from the date your condition began. The fee is either 25 percent of your back pay or $6,000, whichever is less. Social Security approves the fee before it is taken from your back pay, so you will know the cost upfront.

If you cannot afford a representative, you can work with a non-profit organization that helps people with SSDI claims. Many offer free or low-cost help. You can find local organizations through the Ticket to Work program or by calling your state's disability advocacy office.

What happens after you are approved

Once you are approved, Social Security will set up your benefits. Your first payment usually arrives one to two months after approval. You can choose to receive payments by direct deposit to your bank account, which is the fastest and safest method.

After approval, you will need to report certain changes to Social Security — if you return to work, if your address changes, or if your medical condition improves significantly. Social Security will send you a form each year asking you to confirm that you are still disabled and that your information is current. Answering these forms on time keeps your benefits from being interrupted.

You can continue to receive SSDI as long as your condition prevents you from working. Social Security may review your case periodically to make sure you still meet the definition of disability, but most people who are approved keep their benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI claim is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI. However, if you earn more than a certain amount per month (called substantial gainful activity), Social Security may conclude that you can work and deny your claim. The limit changes each year — in 2024 it is $1,550 per month. If you are working and filing a claim, tell Social Security about your job and income.

What if I do not have medical records from my doctors?

Social Security will request them for you. When you file your claim, give them the names and addresses of all your doctors. Social Security will send requests directly to the offices. If a doctor's office is slow to respond, you can call them and ask them to send records to Social Security faster. Having records is important — without medical evidence, Social Security cannot approve your claim.

How much back pay will I receive if I am approved?

Back pay is the money owed from the date your condition began, minus a five-month waiting period. If you filed your claim one year after you stopped working, you would receive back pay for seven months. The exact amount depends on when your condition started and when you filed. Social Security will calculate it and tell you in your approval letter.

Can I file an SSDI claim for someone else?

You can help someone file, but they must sign the process themselves. If they cannot sign because of their condition, a legal representative or family member can sign on their behalf, but Social Security will verify that the person wants to file. You cannot file a claim for someone without their knowledge or consent.

What is the difference between being denied and being found not disabled?

Social Security uses "denied" to mean your claim was rejected for any reason — not enough work history, medical evidence does not support disability, or your condition does not meet their rules. "Not disabled" specifically means your medical condition does not prevent you from working. Both result in a denial letter, but the reason matters for your appeal.