The process Goes to Social Security, Not Your Doctor

When you submit your SSDI process—whether online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office—it enters the Social Security Administration's (SSA) processing system. Your local Social Security office logs it in, assigns it a case number, and sends it to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. DDS is a separate state agency that works under contract with Social Security to make the medical decision about whether you meet the definition of disability.

You do not hear back when ready. Social Security does not contact you to confirm receipt unless you ask them to. If you applied online or by phone, you should receive a notice in the mail within two weeks confirming your process was received and listing your case number. Keep this notice—you will need the case number to check your status or speak with Social Security about your claim.

The DDS office will not contact you right away either. They first review what you submitted to see whether they have enough medical evidence to make a decision. If they do not, they will ask Social Security to request records from your doctors, hospitals, or other treatment providers. This request phase can take several weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your process goes to a state Disability information Services office, not to a Social Security field office, and processing takes three to six months on average.
  • DDS will request medical records from your doctors and may order a consultative exam at their expense if your records do not show enough information about your condition.
  • You will receive a written decision in the mail—either an approval notice or a denial letter explaining which requirements you did not meet.
  • If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal, and most people who appeal go on to win at a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • While your process is pending, you can work and earn money without affecting your case, but once approved, your earnings will be tracked against a monthly limit.

DDS Requests Your Medical Records

After your process is logged, DDS reviews what you submitted. They are looking for medical evidence that shows you have a condition severe enough to prevent you from working. If your records are incomplete—for example, you listed a doctor but did not include recent visit notes—DDS will send a request to Social Security asking them to obtain those records on your behalf.

Social Security contacts your doctors, hospitals, clinics, and any other providers you listed. Providers are required to send records within 30 days, though in practice it often takes longer. If a provider does not respond, Social Security may send a second request or contact them by phone. You can speed this up by calling your own doctors and asking them to send records directly to Social Security. Give them your case number and the address where records should go—your local Social Security office can provide this.

If DDS still does not have enough medical information after reviewing your records, they may order a consultative examination (CE). This is a medical exam paid for by Social Security, performed by a doctor or psychologist in your area. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you where and when to go. The exam is free to you. If you cannot attend, call the number on the notice and ask to reschedule. Missing the exam without rescheduling can result in a denial.

How Long the Decision Takes

The average time from process to decision is three to six months, though this varies by state and by how complex your case is. States with high caseloads or incomplete medical records may take longer. Some states process faster than others—there is no single timeline that applies everywhere.

You can check the status of your process online through your my Social Security account (ssa.gov/myaccount) if you created one when you applied. The status page will show whether DDS is still reviewing your case or whether a decision has been made. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and give them your case number to ask for an update. Have your Social Security number and case number ready when you call.

Do not assume no news is bad news. Silence during the review period is normal. DDS is gathering records and reviewing your medical history. You will hear from them only when they have reached a decision.

What the Decision Letter Says

Your decision arrives by mail. It is a formal notice from Social Security, not from DDS. If you are approved, the letter states the month your benefits begin and the amount of your monthly payment. It also explains what happens next: you will receive a separate notice about Medicare or Medicaid coverage (depending on your state), and information about work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits when ready.

If you are denied, the letter explains which of the five requirements you did not meet. The five requirements are: (1) you have worked long enough and recently enough to be insured; (2) you have a medical condition; (3) the condition is severe; (4) the condition meets or equals a condition on Social Security's list of disabling conditions, or prevents you from doing your past work and any other work; and (5) the condition will last at least 12 months or result in death. The denial letter will say which one or more of these you did not meet and why.

Read the denial letter carefully. It will also tell you how to appeal and the important date for filing an appeal—usually 60 days from the date on the letter.

What to Do While You Wait

You can continue working while your process is pending. Your earnings during the process period do not affect whether you are approved. Once you are approved, your earnings will be tracked against the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is a monthly income threshold. If you earn more than the SGA limit in a month, Social Security may determine you are no longer disabled. The SGA limit changes each year—in 2024 it is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals, but you should confirm the current year's amount with Social Security.

You do not need to report your work to Social Security while your process is pending. Once approved, you will receive information about work incentives and how to report your earnings. Some work incentives, like the Trial Work Period, let you earn money above the SGA limit for a set time without losing benefits.

If your condition worsens or you receive new medical treatment during the process period, tell Social Security. Call your local office or log into your my Social Security account and send a message. New medical evidence can strengthen your case.

If You Are Denied: The Appeal Process

A denial is not the end. Most people who are initially denied go on to win benefits at a hearing. You have four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who win do so at the hearing stage, which is the third step.

To appeal, you must file within 60 days of the date on your denial letter. You can file online through your my Social Security account, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The form is called a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561-U2). Filing stops the clock—you do not lose your right to appeal if you file before the 60 days are up.

At reconsideration, a different DDS examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you submit. This stage takes two to three months. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At a hearing, you can present evidence, call witnesses (including your doctor), and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney for the hearing stage. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by Social Security.

After Approval: What Changes

Once approved, you will receive your first payment within one to two months. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account—you cannot receive a check. If you do not have a bank account, Social Security can issue a debit card instead.

You will also receive a notice about Medicare or Medicaid. If you are approved for SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. Medicaid rules vary by state—some states cover you when ready, others after a waiting period. The notice will explain what applies in your state.

Social Security will send you a work incentives planning and information (WIPA) notice with information about programs that let you work part-time or test your ability to work without losing benefits right away. These include the Trial Work Period (nine months where you can earn any amount), the Extended may be able to access Period (36 months where you can still receive benefits if you earn above the SGA limit), and Impairment Related Work Expenses (deductions for costs related to your disability). You do not have to use these programs, but they exist if you want to try working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my process status online?

Yes, if you created a my Social Security account when you applied. Log in and look for the process status section. It will show whether DDS is reviewing your case or whether a decision has been made. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 with your case number, though wait times are often long.

What if I move or change my address while my process is pending?

Tell Social Security when ready. Call your local office or update your address in your my Social Security account. If Social Security cannot reach you at the address on file, they may deny your process for failure to respond. Use the address where you will receive mail reliably.

Do I have to go to a consultative exam if Social Security schedules one?

Yes. Missing a consultative exam without rescheduling can result in a denial. If you cannot attend the scheduled date and time, call the number on the notice and ask to reschedule. If you have a legitimate reason you cannot attend (illness, transportation), explain it and ask for another date.

What happens if I get a job offer while waiting for a decision?

You can take the job. Working while your process is pending does not affect whether you are approved. Once approved, your earnings will be tracked against the SGA limit, but work incentives protect you from losing benefits when ready if you earn above that limit.

How much will my monthly benefit be?

Your benefit amount is based on your earnings history, not on your medical condition or how severe your disability is. The approval letter will state your exact monthly amount. On average, SSDI payments range from $600 to $3,800 per month, but your amount depends on what you earned while working.