Step 3: Submitting Your Medical Records and Work History

Step 3 is where you send Social Security the documents that support your claim. You have already completed the process itself in Step 2. Now you gather your medical records, test results, and work history, and you submit them either online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. This step determines what evidence the examiner will review, so completeness matters — missing records often mean delays while Social Security requests them from your doctors.

You do not have to submit everything at once. Social Security gives you a important date (usually 30 days from when you filed) to send in your medical records. If you miss that important date, you can still submit records later, but they may not be reviewed as thoroughly, and your case may take longer. The sooner you send records, the sooner the examiner can move forward.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit medical records from doctors who have treated your condition, including test results, diagnoses, and treatment dates — Social Security will not contact your doctors for you unless you give permission.
  • Work history includes the jobs you held in the 15 years before you stopped working, the dates you worked, and what you earned each year, which you can find on your Social Security earnings record.
  • You can submit documents online through your My Social Security account, by mail to your local office, or by uploading them through the Social Security portal — online is fastest.
  • If you do not have all your records ready, send what you have by the important date and tell Social Security where the missing records are; they will request them from your doctors if you authorize it.
  • Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date you sent it, because you may need to prove you submitted documents if Social Security says they never received them.

What Medical Records to Gather

Social Security needs records from every doctor, hospital, clinic, or mental health provider who has treated your condition. This includes your primary care doctor, specialists, emergency room visits, and therapists. For each provider, gather the records that show your diagnosis, when you were treated, what tests or imaging was done, and what the results were.

The records should cover the time period when your condition became severe enough to prevent work. If you stopped working in 2022, Social Security wants records from at least 2020 onward, though earlier records that show your condition has been ongoing are also useful. Do not assume Social Security will get records on its own — you must request them from your providers and submit them yourself, or give Social Security written permission to request them (which takes longer).

If you have had surgery, hospitalization, or imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), those records are especially important. Include the actual test results, not just a doctor's summary. If you take medications, include a list of what you take, the dose, and how long you have been on each one. Mental health records should include diagnoses, dates of visits, and any psychological testing or evaluations.

Documenting Your Work History

Social Security needs to know what jobs you held, when you worked, and how much you earned. You can find your official earnings record by creating a My Social Security account online or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Your earnings record shows every year you worked and what you earned, based on what your employers reported.

For the 15 years before you stopped working, list each job with the employer name, the dates you started and stopped, and your job title. If you were self-employed, include the type of business and the years you operated it. Social Security uses this information to determine whether you have worked long enough to be insured for SSDI benefits. You do not need to submit pay stubs — your Social Security earnings record is the official document.

If you have worked since you filed your process, tell Social Security about that work too. Even small amounts of work can affect your case, so be honest about any jobs, gig work, or self-employment you have done.

How to Submit Your Documents

You have three ways to submit: online through your My Social Security account, by mail, or in person at your local office. Online is fastest because Social Security receives it when ready and can confirm receipt. To submit online, log into My Social Security, go to your process, and upload your documents. You can upload multiple files at once.

If you mail documents, send them to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on Social Security's office locator at ssa.gov. Mail takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive, and Social Security may not process it right away. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and a list of what you are sending. Keep a copy of everything and send it certified mail if you want proof of delivery.

You can also bring documents in person to your local office. Call ahead to make sure someone is available to receive them. In-person submission is useful if you want to confirm that Social Security received your documents and ask questions about what else they need.

What to Do If You Do Not Have All Your Records Yet

You do not have to wait until you have every record to submit. Send what you have by the important date, and include a note listing the records you are still gathering — for example, "Requesting records from Dr. Smith at City Hospital" or "Waiting for 2021 imaging results from radiology." Social Security will note that you are working on getting the remaining documents.

You can also authorize Social Security to request records directly from your providers. On the process form or in a separate letter, write the name and address of each provider and give Social Security permission to contact them. This takes longer (providers can take 30 to 60 days to respond), but it removes the burden from you. If you do this, follow up with your providers yourself as well — do not rely only on Social Security's request.

If you miss the 30-day important date, you can still submit records later. They will be added to your file, but the examiner may have already started reviewing your case with incomplete information. Submitting late does not disqualify you, but it may slow things down.

Keeping Track of What You Submit

Create a straightforward list of every document you submit: the date, what it was (for example, "Dr. Johnson's office visit notes from March 2023"), and how you sent it (online, mail, or in person). Keep this list and copies of the documents themselves. If Social Security later says it never received something, you have proof that you sent it.

After you submit documents online, take a screenshot of the confirmation page. If you mail documents, keep the certified mail receipt. If you submit in person, ask for a receipt or the name of the person who accepted your documents. These small steps protect you if there is a dispute later about what was submitted.

Social Security may contact you during Step 3 to ask for more information or to clarify something on your process. Respond as quickly as you can. If Social Security asks for records you do not have, explain why and offer what you do have instead.

What Happens After You Submit

Once you have submitted your documents, your case moves to a disability examiner who reviews everything. The examiner reads your medical records, checks your work history, and decides whether your condition prevents you from working. This review typically takes 30 to 90 days, though it can take longer if the examiner needs more information or wants a medical informed to review your case.

You will not hear from Social Security every day. The silence does not mean your case is stalled — it usually means the examiner is working through the file. If you have not heard anything after 60 days, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a status update. Have your Social Security number ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get my medical records myself, or will Social Security get them for me?

You should request them yourself because it is faster. Social Security can request records on your behalf if you give written permission, but providers often respond more quickly to direct requests from patients. You can do both: get what you can quickly and authorize Social Security to request the rest.

What if my doctor will not give me my medical records?

Doctors are required by law to provide you with copies of your records, usually within 30 days. If your doctor refuses, contact your state's medical board or the office of the health care facility's compliance officer. You can also authorize Social Security to request the records directly — providers often respond faster to government requests.

Can I submit documents after the 30-day important date?

Yes, you can submit documents anytime. However, submitting after the important date means the examiner may have already started reviewing your case with incomplete information. The sooner you submit, the more complete the review will be.

What if I do not remember all the jobs I have worked?

Your Social Security earnings record shows every job where your employer reported your wages. That is your official work history. If you had jobs where you were paid cash and not reported, tell Social Security about those too, but your earnings record is what matters for determining whether you have worked long enough.

Should I submit original documents or copies?

Submit copies, not originals. Keep your originals for your own records. Social Security does not need originals, and you may need them later if you have to appeal or if another agency asks for them.