You explore through Social Security, not through your state or employer
Social Security handles all disability applications in the United States. There is no separate disability office or program run by your state government or your employer. Whether you have worked long enough to be covered, whether your condition meets the definition of disability, and how much you might receive — all of that goes through Social Security.
You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online path is fastest if you can manage it. The phone and office routes take longer but give you a chance to ask questions as you go.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security is the only place that takes disability applications — not your state, not your employer, not a private company.
- You can explore online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office in person.
- Online applications usually process faster than phone or office applications, though all three routes lead to the same review.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records showing your condition and treatment history.
- The process itself takes 15 to 45 minutes, but the full review process takes three to six months on average.
explore online at ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" in the main menu. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. This requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or state ID number.
The online form asks about your work history, your medical condition, your doctors and hospitals, and your daily activities. You answer questions rather than upload documents at this stage. Social Security will request your medical records directly from your providers once your process is submitted.
Online applications usually move through the system faster than phone or office applications because there is no transcription step — your answers go straight into the system. You can also save your progress and come back to finish later if you need to gather information.
explore by phone
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number and information about your doctors ready. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form, type your answers into the system, and schedule you for a follow-up call if they need more information.
Phone applications take longer to process because the representative has to transcribe your answers, and there is a queue — wait times vary by time of day and season. Early morning calls usually have shorter waits. If you reach voicemail, you can leave your number and a representative will call you back, though this adds another day or two.
explore in person at a Social Security office
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to get the address and hours. You do not need an appointment, but you can request one to avoid waiting. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors and hospitals with dates you saw them.
An office representative will fill out the process form with you, ask clarifying questions, and give you a receipt showing your process was submitted. This is the slowest route because offices have limited hours and staff, but it can be helpful if you have questions or difficulty with written English.
What documents you need before you explore
You do not need to gather medical records before you explore — Social Security will request them from your doctors and hospitals. But you do need to know the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the places that have treated you, and the approximate dates you were seen.
Have your Social Security number and birth certificate ready. If you have worked, have your most recent tax return or W-2 form available so you can confirm your work history. If you are explore as a spouse or child of someone already receiving benefits, have that person's Social Security number.
You do not need to pay anyone to help you explore. Social Security does not charge a fee to submit an process. If someone offers to help you for a fee at this stage, you can decline — the process itself is free.
What happens after you submit your process
Social Security sends you a receipt letter within two weeks. This letter has your process number and tells you what happens next. Keep this number — you will use it to check on your case status.
Social Security then requests your medical records from every doctor, hospital, and clinic you listed. This usually takes four to eight weeks. Once they have your records, a disability examiner reviews your case to see whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This review takes another four to twelve weeks depending on how complex your case is and how busy the office is.
You can check your case status anytime at ssa.gov using your process number and my Social Security account. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your process number.
If you are denied and want to appeal
About two-thirds of first applications are denied. This does not mean you are ineligible — it means Social Security decided your condition does not yet meet their definition, or that you have not been disabled long enough. You have the right to appeal.
You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who are eventually approved go through the hearing stage, which takes six to eighteen months.
You can represent yourself through all appeals, or you can hire a lawyer. If you hire a lawyer and win, Social Security pays them directly from your back pay — you do not pay out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore online if I do not have a computer?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. Both routes let you explore without using a computer. You can also ask a family member or friend to help you explore online using their computer.
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
The process itself takes 15 to 45 minutes to complete. The full review usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information or if your case is complex. You can check your status anytime using your process number.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer. A lawyer becomes useful if you are denied and want to appeal, especially at the hearing stage. You only pay a lawyer if you win, and Social Security pays them from your back pay.
What if I do not have all my medical records?
You do not need to collect them before you explore. When you submit your process, tell Social Security the names and addresses of your doctors and hospitals. Social Security will request the records directly from those places. If a provider no longer has your records, Social Security will note that in your file.
Can someone else explore on my behalf?
Yes, if you are unable to explore yourself, a family member, friend, or representative can explore for you. They will need your permission and your Social Security number. You can also authorize a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to handle your case.