The Social Security Administration is where you explore, and you have three ways to reach them

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) directly through the Social Security Administration, a federal agency. You do not explore through your state, your employer, or a private company. The SSA has three entry points: you can walk into a local Social Security office, call their national number, or start online. Each route leads to the same process, but they differ in wait times and what you can do remotely.

The fastest route for most people is the online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You can fill it out at home, save your progress, and submit it without calling or visiting an office. If you prefer to speak with someone first or need help with the form, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative can answer questions, walk you through the form over the phone, or schedule you for an in-person appointment at your nearest Social Security office.

Walking into a local office works if you want to hand over documents in person or prefer face-to-face conversation. You do not need an appointment—just go during business hours—but wait times vary widely by location. You can find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through the Social Security Administration, not your state or employer, using one of three routes: online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
  • The online process is usually fastest because you can complete it at your own pace and do not have to wait on hold or for an appointment.
  • If you call or visit an office, a Social Security representative can answer questions about what documents you will need before you start filling out forms.
  • You can find your local Social Security office by zip code at ssa.gov/locator, and you can walk in during business hours without scheduling ahead.

What you need before you explore, no matter which route you choose

The SSA will ask for the same core information whether you explore online, by phone, or in person. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency ready. You will also need to list your medical conditions, the doctors and hospitals who have treated you, and the dates of those treatments. If you have worked in the past five years, bring your tax returns or W-2 forms so the SSA can verify your work history.

You do not need to gather all your medical records before you explore. The SSA will request them directly from your doctors and hospitals after you submit your process. However, if you already have recent records from your treating physician—especially test results, imaging, or specialist notes—having them on hand speeds up the process. If you are explore by phone or in person, you can ask the representative which documents would be most helpful to bring.

explore online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability

The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready. You create a my Social Security account (or log in if you already have one), then answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. The form saves automatically, so you can close it and come back later if you need to find information or take a break.

After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. The SSA will mail you a receipt within two weeks, and you can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account. You do not have to do anything else unless the SSA contacts you asking for more information.

explore by phone at 1-800-772-1213

Call the SSA's main line during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to explore for SSDI. They will ask the same questions as the online form and fill it out for you as you answer.

The representative can also answer questions about what documents you need or what to expect next. If you are unsure about something—like how to describe your medical condition or whether a past job counts toward your work history—ask before you answer. At the end of the call, you will receive a confirmation number and a date when the SSA will mail your receipt.

explore in person at a local Social Security office

Find your office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you have medical records or a list of your doctors and hospitals, bring those too.

A Social Security representative will sit with you and fill out the process form while you provide information. This is the best option if you have questions about how to answer a question or if you want to make sure the SSA understands your medical condition. The representative will give you a confirmation number before you leave and tell you when to expect your receipt in the mail.

What happens after you submit your process

The SSA sends your process to a Disability information Services office in your state. This office reviews your medical records, work history, and the information you provided. They may contact your doctors to ask detailed questions about your condition. This review usually takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if the office is backlogged.

You can check the status of your process by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The SSA will contact you by mail if they need more information from you or your doctors. Do not wait for them to ask—if your condition changes or you see a new doctor, call and let them know.

If you need help filling out the process

You can bring someone with you to an in-person appointment or have them on the phone with you during a phone process. This person can be a family member, friend, or advocate. If you want a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to handle your process, you can appoint one, but that is usually done after your initial process is denied and you are preparing to appeal.

Some disability advocacy organizations offer free help filling out SSDI applications. You can search for local organizations through the National Disability Rights Network at ndrn.org, or ask your local Social Security office if they know of any free services in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes. You can work and explore at the same time. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), the SSA may decide you are not disabled under their rules. The amount changes each year, so ask the SSA what the current limit is when you explore.

Do I have to explore in person, or can I do it all online?

You can do it entirely online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You do not have to visit an office or call unless you want to. The online process is complete and leads to the same review process as explore by phone or in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or proof of citizenship?

Tell the SSA representative when you explore. They can tell you what documents the SSA will accept instead and where to get them. You do not have to have everything before you explore—the SSA can work with you to gather what you need.

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

Most decisions take 3 to 6 months. Complex cases or state office backlogs can extend this to 9 months or longer. You can check your process status in your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What if I am denied?

You have the right to appeal. The SSA will explain how to appeal in the letter that denies your process. You usually have 60 days to file an appeal, and you can do it by mail, phone, or in person at your local office.