The SSA-3368 is the short form Social Security uses for disability claims

The form you'll encounter is called the process for Disability Insurance Benefits, officially numbered SSA-3368. It is shorter than the full process but still asks for the core information Social Security needs: who you are, where you live, your work history, and basic facts about your medical condition. You do not fill it out online through Social Security's website — you complete it on paper or over the phone with a Social Security representative.

The short form exists because not every disability claim requires the same depth of detail upfront. Social Security uses it when your situation appears straightforward or when they want to move quickly. However, "short" is relative. Even the abbreviated version runs several pages and touches on sensitive topics like your medical history and finances.

If you are explore in person at a Social Security office or by phone, the representative will often walk you through the form question by question rather than handing you a blank copy to fill at home. This means you answer verbally and they record your responses. If you prefer to see the actual document before you explore, you can read SSA-3368 from Social Security's website or request a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Key Takeaways

  • The short form is SSA-3368, and Social Security may use it instead of the longer process depending on your situation.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth date, work history for the past 15 years, and information about your medical condition and doctors.
  • A Social Security representative typically guides you through the form over the phone or in person rather than asking you to complete it alone.
  • Even the short form asks detailed questions about your medical history, so having your doctor's contact information and dates of treatment ready will speed up the process.

What information the short form asks for

The SSA-3368 collects your personal details first: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Social Security also asks whether you have ever used a different name, which matters if your medical records are filed under a maiden name or a previous surname.

The form then moves to your work history. You will list jobs you held in the past 15 years, including the employer's name, the type of work you did, when you started and stopped, and how much you earned. Social Security uses this to determine whether you have worked enough to be insured for disability benefits and to understand what physical or mental demands your past jobs required.

A significant section covers your medical condition. You will describe what is wrong, when the condition began, and which doctors or hospitals have treated you. The form asks for the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your medical providers — this is why having that information written down before you call saves time. You will also list any medications you take and any surgeries or hospitalizations related to your condition.

Finally, the form asks whether you have ever been denied disability benefits before, whether you receive workers' compensation, and whether you are receiving any other government benefits. These answers help Social Security understand your full situation and avoid duplicate payments.

How the short form differs from the full process

The full process, SSA-3368-BK (called the "Disability Report"), is substantially longer and asks for much more detail about your medical history, your daily activities, and how your condition affects your ability to work. The short form skips many of these detailed questions and focuses on the essentials.

However, Social Security may send you the longer form later if they need more information to make a decision. This is normal and does not mean your claim is in trouble — it straightforward means the short form did not provide enough detail for them to proceed. When that happens, you will receive the longer form in the mail with instructions on how to return it.

The short form also moves faster through the initial stages. Because it requires less information upfront, Social Security can begin reviewing your case sooner. That said, the overall timeline for a decision remains the same: most disability claims take three to six months to be decided, whether you start with the short form or the long one.

Where to find and submit the short form

You can read SSA-3368 from ssa.gov by searching for "SSA-3368" in their forms library. The document is a PDF that you can print and fill by hand, though most people do not need to — Social Security will guide you through it during a phone call or office visit.

To start a claim using the short form, contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative will schedule a time to take your process over the phone or invite you to your local Social Security office. You can also walk into any Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.

If you are explore online through Social Security's website, you will not use SSA-3368 at all — the online process is a different process with its own questions. The short form is used only when you explore by phone or in person.

What to bring or have ready when you explore

Gather these documents and details before you call or visit:

  • Your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or green card)
  • A list of all jobs you held in the past 15 years, with employer names, dates, and approximate earnings
  • The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated your condition
  • Dates of any surgeries, hospitalizations, or emergency room visits related to your disability
  • A list of all medications you currently take
  • Information about any workers' compensation claims or other government benefits you receive

You do not need to have medical records in hand when you explore — Social Security will request those directly from your providers. However, having your doctors' contact information accurate and complete prevents delays later.

What happens after you submit the short form

Once Social Security receives your completed SSA-3368, a claims examiner will review it and order medical records from the providers you listed. This process typically takes two to four weeks. During that time, you may receive a call asking follow-up questions or requesting clarification on something you said.

If the examiner needs more detail than the short form provided, they will mail you the longer Disability Report (SSA-3368-BK) and ask you to complete it. You will have a important date — usually 10 days — to return it. Missing that important date can slow your case, so respond promptly if you receive it.

Social Security may also send you to a medical examination paid for by Social Security, especially if your condition is recent or if your own doctors' records do not fully document how your condition limits your ability to work. This examination is free to you and is separate from your regular medical care.

Common questions people have about the short form

Many people worry that using the short form instead of the full process hurts their chances. It does not. Social Security chooses which form to use based on your situation, not based on what you request. If the short form is appropriate for your case, using it actually moves things faster.

Others ask whether they can submit the short form by mail. Social Security prefers phone or in-person applications because a representative can clarify questions on the spot. If you mail in a completed form, Social Security will likely call you anyway to verify information, so the phone route is more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out SSA-3368 at home and mail it in?

You can, but Social Security typically prefers to take your process over the phone or in person. If you mail in a completed form, a representative will usually call to verify your answers anyway. explore by phone or visiting an office in person is faster because questions get answered when ready rather than through back-and-forth mail.

What if I do not remember all my jobs from the past 15 years?

Tell the Social Security representative what you do remember, including approximate dates and employers. Social Security can verify employment history through tax records and past employers. Do not guess at dates or earnings — it is better to say you are unsure and let Social Security look it up.

Do I need medical records before I explore?

No. You need the names and contact information of your doctors, but Social Security will request your actual medical records directly from them. Having your doctors' phone numbers and addresses correct and complete prevents delays, but you do not need to gather the records yourself.

What if Social Security sends me the long form after I submit the short form?

This is normal and does not mean your claim is denied or in trouble. It means Social Security needs more detail to make a decision. Complete the longer form and return it by the important date shown in the letter. The longer form asks more questions about your daily activities and how your condition affects your ability to work.

How long does it take to get a decision after I submit the short form?

Most claims take three to six months from start to decision. The short form does not speed up the overall timeline, but it does allow Social Security to begin reviewing your case faster. Some claims are decided in two months; others take longer if Social Security needs additional medical evidence or if you are sent for a medical examination.