You explore for SSDI through Social Security, not through a separate disability office

Social Security handles SSDI applications directly. There is no other government agency you need to contact first, and no separate "disability office" to find. You can start your process in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people find the online route fastest because you can work through it at your own pace and save your progress.

The online process is called iClaim and lives at ssa.gov/benefits/disability. You do not need to create an account beforehand—you can start as a guest. The form asks about your medical condition, work history, and current income. You can complete it all at once or come back to it later; Social Security saves your answers for 60 days.

If you prefer to talk to someone before you start, or if you run into trouble with the online form, you can call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213. They can answer questions about what documents you will need and can schedule you for a phone interview instead of an in-person one. The wait time to reach someone is usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security at ssa.gov/benefits/disability, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • The online process (iClaim) saves your progress for 60 days, so you do not have to finish it all at once.
  • Social Security will ask about your medical condition, when it started, your work history, and your current income or living situation.
  • You do not need to gather all your medical records before you start—Social Security can request them from your doctors after you file.

explore online through ssa.gov

The online process at ssa.gov/benefits/disability is the fastest way to start. You will need a valid email address and a phone number where Social Security can reach you. The form does not require you to upload documents; you answer questions about your condition and work history, and Social Security requests medical records directly from your doctors later.

The form typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete if you have your work history handy. You will be asked when your condition started, what doctors or hospitals have treated you, and whether you have worked in the past 15 years. If you get stuck or need to step away, your answers stay saved for 60 days. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number—write this down or save the email.

After you submit online, Social Security will contact you by phone within a few days to confirm your information and ask follow-up questions. This call is part of the process, not optional. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and a list of any medications you take ready when they call.

explore by phone

If you do not want to use the computer, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and complete your process over the phone. Social Security staff will walk you through the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can ask them to mail you a form to sign and return, or they can send it electronically if you have email.

Call early in the morning (between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. your local time) on a weekday to reach someone faster. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and a list of your doctors ready. If you cannot complete the call in one sitting, Social Security can schedule a callback for another time.

explore in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into your local Social Security office and start an process there. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do—call ahead to check. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and a list of your doctors and hospitals.

In-person appointments usually take 30 to 60 minutes. A Social Security representative will ask the same questions as the online or phone process and can answer questions about what happens next. If you have medical records with you, you can hand them over, though Social Security will also request them directly from your doctors.

What documents to have ready before you start

You do not need to gather everything before you explore—Social Security will request medical records from your doctors after you file. However, having certain information ready makes the process smoother. Gather your Social Security number, birth date, and driver's license or passport.

Write down the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for your condition. Include the dates you saw them if you remember. If you have worked in the past 15 years, list your employers and the dates you worked there. If you receive any income now—from a job, unemployment, workers' compensation, or family support—note the amount and how often you receive it.

You do not need to bring original medical records, test results, or imaging scans. Social Security has the power to request these directly from your healthcare providers, and they often do so faster than you could gather them yourself. If you have a summary letter from your doctor describing your condition, that can be helpful but is not required.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit your process online, by phone, or in person, Social Security will send you a confirmation letter with a case number. Keep this number—you will use it to check the status of your case. Social Security typically contacts you within 5 to 10 business days to confirm the information you provided and ask any follow-up questions.

Social Security will then request medical records from your doctors. This can take several weeks because doctors' offices are often slow to respond. You can speed this up by calling your doctors' offices yourself and asking them to send your records to Social Security. Give them your case number so they send it to the right place.

The entire process from process to a decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you. If you do not hear from them within a few weeks, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your case number to check on progress.

If you need help filling out your process

If you have trouble understanding the questions or need someone to help you explore, you can bring a trusted family member or friend to your appointment—whether online, by phone, or in person. They can help you gather information and understand what Social Security is asking.

You can also contact a disability advocate or legal aid organization in your area. These are nonprofits that help people with SSDI applications for free. Search "disability advocate near me" or "legal aid [your state]" online, or call 211 to find local resources. Advocates cannot speed up Social Security's decision, but they can make sure your process is complete and accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have all my medical records before I explore?

No. Social Security will request your medical records directly from your doctors after you submit your process. You do not need to gather them yourself. However, if you have a recent summary letter from your doctor describing your condition, you can include it to help speed things up.

Can I explore if I am still working?

Yes. You can work and still file for SSDI. However, Social Security will look at how much you earn and whether your work is considered "substantial gainful activity." If you earn more than a certain amount per month (the limit changes each year), Social Security may deny your claim or say your condition does not prevent you from working.

What if I do not have a computer or phone to explore online?

You can explore by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. You do not need to use the online form. If you do not have a phone at home, you can use a phone at a library, community center, or friend's house to call Social Security.

How do I check the status of my process after I submit it?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and give them your case number, which you receive in your confirmation letter. You can also create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount to check your process status online, though the phone line is often faster for new applications.

What if I get denied? Can I explore again?

Yes. If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You will receive a letter explaining why you were denied and how to file an appeal. Most people appeal within 60 days of the denial letter. You can appeal on your own or with help from a disability advocate or lawyer.