You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, not through your state or employer
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that receives and processes all disability claims. You cannot explore through your state government, your doctor's office, your employer, or any other organization. The SSA has three ways to submit your claim: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Which program you explore for depends on your work history and income. SSDI is based on your own work record or your parent's work record if you became disabled before age 22. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Some people are told they can explore for one or the other; some can explore for both at the same time. The SSA will tell you which programs you may be able to use when you start your claim.
Key Takeaways
- The Social Security Administration is the only place that receives disability claims; you cannot explore through your state, doctor, or employer.
- You can start a claim online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
- Online claims take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete and you can save your progress and return later if needed.
- The SSA will contact you by mail or phone within a few days to confirm receipt and may ask for additional documents before your claim is formally filed.
- You do not need a lawyer to start your claim, though you may want one later if your claim is denied and you file an appeal.
explore Online at SSA.gov
The fastest way to start a claim is through the SSA's website. Go to ssa.gov, select "explore for Disability," and choose whether you are explore for SSDI, SSI, or both. You will create or sign into your my Social Security account. The online form takes about 15 to 20 minutes and asks for your personal information, work history, medical conditions, and the date your disability began.
You do not have to finish the form in one sitting. You can save your progress and return to it later using your my Social Security login. Once you submit the form, the SSA will send you a confirmation letter by mail within a few days. Keep this letter; it contains your claim number, which you will use for all future contact about your case.
After you submit online, the SSA may contact you by phone or mail to ask for documents you did not upload, such as medical records, birth certificate, or proof of citizenship. Respond to these requests as soon as you can, because delays in sending documents can slow down your case.
explore by Phone
You can start a disability claim by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and take your information over the phone. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail with your claim number.
Phone lines are busiest early in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you call during a busy time, you may wait on hold for 30 minutes or longer. The SSA also offers a callback service: you can call and ask to be called back at a time you choose rather than waiting on the line.
After your phone claim, the SSA will mail you a form asking for documents and signatures. You must sign and return this form within 10 days, or your claim may be delayed. Read the form carefully and send back everything it asks for.
explore In Person at Your Local Office
You can walk into your local Social Security office and start a disability claim in person. To find your office, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to make an appointment. Call ahead to ask whether your office takes walk-ins or if you need to schedule a time.
An SSA representative will sit with you and fill out your claim form. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport or naturalization papers), and a list of your medical conditions and the doctors who treat you. If you have recent medical records, bring those too, though the SSA can request them from your doctors later.
In-person claims take longer than online or phone claims because you are waiting for an available representative. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the office. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail after your visit.
What Documents You Need Before You Start
You do not need every document before you begin your claim. The SSA can request documents from you after you submit. However, having these items ready will speed up the process:
- Your Social Security card or number
- Your birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident status (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
- A list of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for your disability
- Dates you saw each doctor or visited each hospital
- Names and dosages of all medications you take
- Your most recent tax return or W-2 (for SSDI claims)
- Bank account information (for SSI claims)
If you do not have a birth certificate or proof of citizenship, you can still start your claim. The SSA will tell you how to obtain these documents or may be able to verify your information through other means. Do not delay your claim because you are missing one document.
What Happens After You Submit Your Claim
After the SSA receives your claim, it goes to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. This is a separate state agency that reviews medical evidence and decides whether you meet the SSA's definition of disability. The DDS will request your medical records from your doctors and may order a medical exam if they need more information.
The entire process from claim submission to a decision usually takes 3 to 6 months, though some cases take longer if your medical records are hard to obtain or if your condition is complex. The SSA will contact you by mail if they need more information from you. Respond to these requests quickly, because delays on your part can extend the timeline.
You will receive a written decision by mail. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to file an appeal.
Choosing Between Online, Phone, and In-Person
| Method | Time to Complete | Best For | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online at ssa.gov | 15–20 minutes | People comfortable with computers who want to go at their own pace | You must have internet access and a my Social Security account |
| Phone: 1-800-772-1213 | 20–30 minutes on the phone, plus wait time | People who prefer talking to someone and do not have internet | Phone lines are often busy; you may wait 30 minutes or longer |
| In person at local office | 45 minutes to 1 hour | People who need help understanding questions or want to hand over documents in person | You must travel to the office and may need to make an appointment |
All three methods result in the same claim and the same timeline. Choose the one that fits your situation. If you have trouble with one method, you can always switch to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for disability through my state government or my doctor?
No. Only the Social Security Administration receives disability claims. Your state government and your doctor cannot submit a claim for you. However, your doctor can send medical records to the SSA once your claim is filed, and some states have programs that help people with the SSA process process.
Do I need a lawyer to start my claim?
No. You can start your claim on your own without a lawyer. Many people are approved without legal help. You may want to hire a lawyer later if your claim is denied and you file an appeal, because the appeals process is more complex.
What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?
You must have a Social Security number to explore for SSDI or SSI. If you do not have one, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office or through ssa.gov. Bring your birth certificate and proof of identity. Once you have a number, you can start your disability claim.
Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes. If you have a work history but limited income and resources, you may be able to explore for both programs in a single claim. The SSA will tell you during the process whether you can explore for both or only one.
What if I start my claim online but need to talk to someone?
You can call 1-800-772-1213 at any time to ask questions about your claim. Have your claim number ready. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person and ask to speak with a representative about your case.