What happens when you enroll in SSDI
Enrolling in SSDI means you are submitting a formal request to Social Security to review your medical condition and work history. Social Security will examine your medical records, your work history, and whether your condition prevents you from working. If Social Security determines you meet the medical and non-medical requirements, you will receive a monthly payment and Medicare coverage after 24 months on the program.
The enrollment process itself is free. You do not pay Social Security to review your case. However, the process typically takes three to six months, and many people are denied on their first request. This is why some people work with a disability lawyer during enrollment — a lawyer can help you gather the right medical evidence and present your case in the strongest way possible.
Key Takeaways
- You can start the enrollment process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- Social Security will ask for your medical records, work history, and details about how your condition affects your ability to work.
- The process takes three to six months on average, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information.
- You can work with a disability lawyer throughout enrollment, and the lawyer's fee comes from your back pay if you win, not from your pocket upfront.
Where to start the enrollment process
You have three ways to begin: online, by phone, or in person. The online method is the fastest. Go to ssa.gov, create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one, and look for the "explore for Disability" option. You will answer questions about your medical condition, your work history, and your family situation. The form takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
If you prefer to talk to someone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. They are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov by entering your zip code.
Whichever method you choose, Social Security will send you a confirmation letter with a case number. Keep this number. You will use it every time you contact Social Security about your case.
What Social Security will ask you
Social Security needs three main things: your medical records, your work history, and a description of how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. You do not need to have all of this ready before you start the enrollment process. You can submit it afterward, but having it ready speeds things up.
For medical records, gather recent reports from the doctors who treat your condition. These should include test results, diagnoses, and notes about your symptoms and limitations. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may refer you to a doctor they choose and pay for the examination. For work history, have your Social Security statement ready — you can view it at ssa.gov — and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including dates and what you did.
For the description of how your condition affects you, be specific. Instead of "I have back pain," write "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain, and I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds." Social Security uses these details to determine whether you can do any kind of work.
How a disability lawyer helps during enrollment
A disability lawyer can help you organize your medical records, identify which records are most important to your case, and write a statement that explains your condition in the language Social Security uses. Lawyers also know which medical evidence Social Security looks for most carefully and can tell you if you are missing something important before you submit your case.
You do not pay the lawyer upfront. Instead, if Social Security approves your case, the lawyer takes a fee from your back pay — the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled. The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. If Social Security denies you, you owe the lawyer nothing.
If you were referred to this page from "Finding a Disability Lawyer," you already know how to locate one. A lawyer can begin helping you before you enroll, while you are gathering documents, or after Social Security denies you and you are preparing to appeal.
What happens after you submit your enrollment
Social Security will review your case and send you a letter with a decision. If they approve you, the letter will tell you when your payments begin and how much you will receive each month. If they deny you, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
Most first-time requests are denied. This does not mean your case is weak — it means Social Security has a high bar for approval. Many people who are denied the first time are approved on appeal, especially if they have a lawyer helping them gather stronger medical evidence or correct errors in Social Security's review.
While you wait for a decision, keep treating with your doctors and keep records of your medical visits. If your condition worsens, tell your doctors. These new records can strengthen your case if Social Security denies you and you appeal.
Timing and what to expect while waiting
The initial review usually takes three to six months. Some cases move faster if your medical condition is clearly disabling and your medical records are complete. Other cases take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors or if they refer you to a doctor for an examination.
You can check the status of your case online using your case number and my Social Security account, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will not call you or email you — they only send letters. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asking for money or personal information, it is a scam.
If you have a lawyer, your lawyer will also track your case and contact Social Security on your behalf if there are delays or if Social Security asks for more information.
What to do if Social Security denies you
You have the right to appeal. The appeal process has four levels: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court. Most people who appeal with a lawyer's help are approved at the hearing level, which is the third step overall.
You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. This is a second review of your case by a different Social Security examiner. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing. At a hearing, you and your lawyer can present evidence and testify before a judge. This is where many cases are approved.
If you do not have a lawyer yet and Social Security has denied you, this is a good time to find one. Appeals are more complex than the initial enrollment, and a lawyer's help significantly increases your chances of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my SSDI enrollment is being reviewed?
Yes. You can work and earn money while Social Security reviews your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may use that as evidence that you can work and deny your case. The exact amount changes each year. Keep records of your work and earnings to show Social Security.
Do I need a lawyer to enroll in SSDI?
No. You can enroll without a lawyer. However, most people are denied on their first request, and a lawyer significantly increases your chances of approval on appeal. A lawyer costs nothing upfront and only takes a fee if you win.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
Tell Social Security when you enroll. They can refer you to a doctor and pay for an examination. However, having your own medical records from your own doctors is stronger evidence. If you have not seen a doctor in a long time, consider scheduling an appointment before you enroll.
How much will I receive each month if I am approved?
Your monthly payment is based on your work history and the amount you paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. The average payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but yours may be higher or lower. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.
Can I enroll in SSDI if I have never worked?
No. SSDI requires a work history. If you became disabled before you ever worked, you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program with different rules. Social Security can tell you which program you may be able to receive.