The Social Security Administration is where you file

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA). There is no other government office that takes these applications. You have three ways to file: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Which method you choose depends on what works for your situation. Online filing is available 24 hours a day and you can save your progress and come back to it. Phone filing means speaking to someone who can answer questions as you go. In-person filing at a local office lets you bring documents and get when ready feedback on what you've submitted.

All three routes lead to the same process and the same decision-makers. The SSA processes them the same way regardless of how you file. There is no advantage to one method over another in terms of how fast your claim moves or how it is reviewed.

Key Takeaways

  • You file for SSDI or SSI with the Social Security Administration, not with your state or a private organization.
  • You can file online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office in person.
  • Online filing is available anytime and lets you save your progress; phone and in-person filing let you ask questions while you complete the form.
  • Your local Social Security office address and phone number are on the SSA website — search by your ZIP code to find the one nearest you.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records documenting your condition.

Filing online through ssa.gov

The SSA's website has an online process for both SSDI and SSI. You start at ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability Benefits" or "explore for SSI". The form is called the iClaim process. You create a my Social Security account (or log in if you already have one) and then begin the process.

The online form saves your work automatically, so you can close it and come back later without losing what you've entered. This is useful if you need time to gather documents or if filling it out all at once is too much. You do not have to finish it in one sitting.

When you submit the online process, the SSA sends you a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email — you will use it to check on your claim status later. The SSA will contact you by mail or phone within a few days to tell you what happens next.

Filing by phone

You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. This is the main national number for all Social Security business, including disability claims. When you call, tell the person who answers that you want to file for disability benefits. They will take your information over the phone and create your process.

Phone filing takes longer than online filing — expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes on the call. The person on the phone will ask you questions about your medical condition, your work history, your living situation, and your finances (if you are filing for SSI). Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records information ready before you call.

The SSA's phone lines are busiest early in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you get a busy signal or a long wait, try calling in the afternoon or mid-week. You can also call back another day — there is no important date to file by phone on a specific day.

Filing in person at your local Social Security office

Every city and most towns have a Social Security office where you can walk in and file for disability. To find yours, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations", and search by your ZIP code. The website shows the office address, phone number, and hours. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to call ahead and make an appointment.

Filing in person means you can bring your documents with you and hand them over on the spot. You can also ask questions while the person helping you fills out the form. If you are unsure what documents you need or whether you have the right ones, the office staff can tell you right away instead of finding out later by mail.

Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely. Some offices have short waits; others may have you waiting an hour or more. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide whether to go in or use phone or online filing instead.

What documents to bring or have ready

Regardless of which filing method you choose, you will need the same documents. Have these ready before you file:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your birth certificate or other proof of birth date
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers)
  • Names and dates of birth for any children under 18 (if you are filing for SSI)
  • Information about your medical condition — doctor names, hospital names, dates of treatment, and what tests or imaging you have had
  • Names and dates of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years
  • Bank account information if you want your benefits deposited directly (you will need this eventually, but not to file)

You do not need to have all of these documents in hand before you file. The SSA can request them from your doctors and hospitals after you submit your process. However, having them ready speeds up the process because the SSA does not have to wait for you to gather them.

After you file — what happens next

After you submit your process, the SSA sends you a letter with a confirmation number and tells you what to do next. Usually they ask you to send in medical records or to go to a doctor for an exam that they pay for. Some applications are decided quickly; others take several months while the SSA gathers information about your condition.

You can check on your claim status anytime by logging into your my Social Security account on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need your confirmation number or your Social Security number to check the status.

If the SSA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Many people are denied the first time and approved on appeal, so a denial is not the end of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have enough work history for SSDI but you think you might, you can file for both in the same process. The SSA will review you for both programs and tell you which one you may have access to for, or if you may have access to for both. Filing for both does not hurt your chances for either one.

What if I cannot get to a Social Security office or make a phone call?

Online filing at ssa.gov is the best option if you have internet access. If you cannot use the phone, internet, or visit an office, you can ask a family member, friend, or legal representative to file on your behalf. They will need your permission and your Social Security number.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file on your own without a lawyer. Many people do. A lawyer or representative can help you gather medical records and prepare your case, but you do not need one to submit your initial process. If your claim is denied and you appeal, some people find a representative helpful, but it is still not required.

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

The SSA usually contacts you within a few days to a week after you file to ask for more information or to schedule a medical exam. The full decision on your claim can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how much medical evidence they need to gather and how busy the office is.

Can I file if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can file for SSDI if you have a valid Social Security number and work history, regardless of citizenship status. For SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent resident). Bring your immigration documents when you file so the SSA can verify your status.