You file for SSDI or SSI at your local Social Security office, online through Social Security's website, or by phone — and which route you choose affects how fast your claim moves.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the only federal agency that takes disability claims. You cannot file at a state office, a disability agency, or anywhere else. But SSA gives you three ways to start: in person at a field office, online at ssa.gov, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Each route leads to the same outcome, but they differ in speed, what you can do remotely, and how much paperwork you handle yourself.

The fastest route for most people is the online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You can fill it out at your own pace, save your work, and submit it without leaving home. SSA then contacts you to verify information and request medical records. If you cannot use a computer or prefer to speak with someone, your local field office is the next option — you can walk in, call ahead for an appointment, or call the national number and ask to be transferred to your local office. Phone applications are also possible but less common because SSA needs to mail you forms to sign.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security field office — all three routes process the same way once submitted.
  • Online filing is usually fastest because you control the pace and SSA contacts you by phone or mail to ask follow-up questions.
  • Your local field office address is on ssa.gov/locator, and you can call ahead to schedule an appointment rather than wait in line.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and work history no matter which route you choose.
  • If you file online or by phone, SSA will mail you forms to sign; you cannot sign electronically, so budget time for that step.

Filing Online Through ssa.gov

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is the most common entry point. You create an account (or use an existing my Social Security account), answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and living situation, and submit. The form saves automatically, so you can close your browser and return later. SSA does not require you to upload documents — you answer questions, and SSA requests medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals.

After you submit, SSA assigns your claim a number and mails you a notice. A caseworker then calls or mails you to ask follow-up questions, usually within two weeks. This is where the online route saves time: you have already given SSA your contact information and basic facts, so the caseworker can focus on details rather than starting from scratch. You will eventually need to sign the official process form (called the SSA-16) and return it by mail, but that happens after the phone interview, not before.

One limitation: the online form does not let you upload medical records yourself. If you have recent records you want SSA to see when ready — for example, a hospital discharge summary from last month — you can mail them to the address on your claim notice, but SSA will also request them from your providers. Mailing them yourself does not speed up the process unless your provider is slow to respond.

Filing In Person at Your Local Field Office

If you prefer to file face-to-face, find your local office using the field office locator at ssa.gov/locator. Enter your zip code, and SSA shows you the nearest office, hours, and phone number. Call ahead to schedule an appointment — walk-ins are accepted but you may wait hours. An appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

At the appointment, a representative will ask you the same questions as the online form: your medical condition, when it started, your work history, and your living situation. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), birth certificate, and a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited. The representative fills out the process while you are there and gives you a copy. You still need to sign the official SSA-16 form later — the representative cannot do that in the office — so you will receive it by mail within a few days.

Filing in person is useful if you need help understanding the questions, have a complex work history, or do not have internet access. It is not faster than online filing; it just moves the paperwork into the office instead of your home. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call ahead and ask the office to arrange a video relay service or interpreter.

Filing by Phone

You can start a disability claim by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and take notes. You will be assigned a claim number on the call. SSA will then mail you the official process form (SSA-16) to sign and return.

Phone filing is slower than online or in-person filing because you must wait for the form to arrive by mail, sign it, and mail it back. This adds one to two weeks to the process. Use the phone route only if you cannot access a computer and cannot visit an office, or if you need language interpretation — SSA can arrange interpreters for phone calls.

What You Need Before You File

Gather these documents before you start, whether you file online, in person, or by phone:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your birth certificate or passport
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors and hospitals you have visited in the past three years
  • Dates you worked and names of employers for the past 15 years (or since age 16, whichever is shorter)
  • If you are married, your spouse's Social Security number
  • If you have children under 18, their Social Security numbers and birth dates
  • Bank account information if you want direct deposit for your benefit check

You do not need to gather medical records yourself. SSA will request them from your providers once you name them. However, if you have records at home — discharge summaries, test results, imaging reports — you can mail them to SSA to speed up the review. Include your claim number on everything you mail.

After You File: What Happens Next

Once SSA receives your signed process, your claim goes to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. DDS is a state agency that works for SSA; it reviews medical evidence and decides whether you meet SSA's definition of disability. This process takes 3 to 6 months on average, though it can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or your condition is complex.

During this time, SSA or DDS may contact you to ask follow-up questions or request additional medical records. You will receive notices by mail explaining what they need and when they need it. If you do not respond within the important date (usually 10 days), SSA may deny your claim, so open all mail from SSA promptly.

You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. SSA will also mail you a notice when a decision is made — either approval, denial, or a request for more information.

If You Need Help Filing

You can file on your own at no cost. However, if you want someone to help you — a family member, a lawyer, or a non-lawyer representative — that person can be present at your appointment or help you fill out the online form. If you hire a lawyer or representative, they can charge you a fee only if SSA approves it, and only if you win your case. The fee is usually 25% of your back pay, capped at $6,000.

You do not need a lawyer to file. Many people file successfully on their own. But if your claim is denied and you appeal, having a representative who knows disability law can improve your chances. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking your local legal aid office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you have not worked enough to may have access to for SSDI but your income is low, you may may have access to for SSI instead. When you file, tell SSA you want to be considered for both programs. SSA will evaluate you for each one and tell you which you may have access to for, or if you may have access to for both.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Bring another document that shows your date of birth and identity — a passport, driver's license, or state ID. If you are filing online, you can upload a photo of it. If you are filing in person, bring the original. SSA will accept other documents if you do not have these.

Do I have to file in person if I am homebound?

No. File online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. If you need to sign documents and cannot leave home, tell SSA — they may be able to arrange for a notary to visit you or accept an alternative signature method.

How long does it take to hear back after I file?

You will receive a claim number and notice by mail within two weeks. A caseworker will contact you within two to four weeks to ask follow-up questions. The full decision from DDS usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if medical records are delayed or your condition is complex.

Can I file for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can work and file at the same time. SSA will evaluate whether your condition prevents you from working, not whether you have already stopped. However, if you are earning more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), SSA may assume you are not disabled, so be prepared to explain why you cannot work consistently despite current earnings.