What you need to do to file for SSDI

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) by submitting an process to the Social Security Administration. You can start the process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The process asks about your medical condition, work history, and current income—and it takes most people 20 to 40 minutes to complete online.

Social Security will ask you to describe what prevents you from working, provide medical records that document your condition, and list any jobs you've held in the past 15 years. You don't need a lawyer to file, though many people hire one after Social Security denies their first process (which happens to most people). A lawyer can help you understand what went wrong and prepare for the next step, called a reconsideration or appeal.

The whole process—from filing to a final decision—usually takes several months to over a year. Most people are denied the first time. That's normal, and it doesn't mean you won't eventually receive benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office; online is usually fastest.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records, a description of your condition, and your work history from the past 15 years.
  • Most first applications are denied; this is common and does not mean you are ineligible.
  • After a denial, you can request reconsideration, file an appeal, or ask for a hearing before a judge—and this is when many people hire a lawyer.
  • The entire process from filing to a final decision typically takes six months to two years.

Where to file: online, phone, or in person

The fastest way to file is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You create an account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and submit the process. Social Security sends you a confirmation number. You can save your progress and come back to finish later if you need to.

If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative will walk you through the questions and submit your process. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office and file in person. Find your office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. In-person filing takes longer than online but may be helpful if you have questions as you go.

What documents and information you'll need

Before you start, gather these items: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), and your most recent tax return or W-2. You'll also need the names and dates of any jobs you've held in the past 15 years.

Social Security will ask you to list your doctors and hospitals. Have their names, phone numbers, and the dates you visited. You don't submit medical records with your process—Social Security requests them directly from your providers after you file. However, if you have recent test results, imaging, or specialist reports that clearly show your condition, you can upload them to your online account or bring them to your local office.

You'll also need to describe how your condition affects your ability to work: Can you sit for eight hours? Can you lift more than 10 pounds? Can you concentrate on a task? Be specific about what you cannot do, not just the name of your diagnosis.

How Social Security decides whether to approve you

After you file, a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state reviews your case. This is not the same as your local Social Security office. The DDS office has doctors and specialists who read your medical records and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

Social Security's definition is strict: your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months, or it must be expected to result in death. Having a diagnosis is not enough. Social Security looks at whether your condition limits what you can do—your "residual functional capacity"—and whether jobs exist that you can still perform.

The DDS office sends you a letter with their decision. If they approve you, you'll receive a notice showing your benefit amount and when payments start. If they deny you, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.

What happens if Social Security denies your process

Most first applications are denied. This does not mean you are ineligible. It often means Social Security needs more medical evidence, or your medical records don't yet show how severely your condition limits your work.

You have three options after a denial: request reconsideration, file an appeal, or request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Reconsideration means a different DDS office reviews your case, usually with new medical records you submit. An appeal means you ask Social Security to look at their decision again. A hearing before a judge is the step where many people hire a lawyer, because a judge can ask you questions and hear arguments about why you should receive benefits.

You have 60 days from the date on Social Security's denial letter to request reconsideration or file an appeal. If you miss that important date, you can still file, but you'll need to explain the delay.

When to consider hiring a disability lawyer

You don't need a lawyer to file your initial process. Many people file on their own and are approved. However, if Social Security denies you, a lawyer can help you understand what went wrong and prepare for reconsideration or a hearing.

Disability lawyers work on contingency, which means they don't charge you unless you win. If you receive back pay (money owed from the date you became disabled), the lawyer takes a percentage—usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000 by federal law. You pay nothing out of pocket upfront.

A lawyer can request your medical records, help you gather new evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and present arguments to a judge about why you meet Social Security's definition of disability. Many people who were denied once or twice are approved at a hearing with a lawyer's help.

How long the process takes and what to expect while you wait

From the day you file to a final decision usually takes six months to two years. Initial applications are often decided within three to six months. If you request reconsideration, add another three to six months. If you go to a hearing before a judge, add several more months—judges have backlogs in many states.

While you wait, Social Security may contact you to request more information or schedule a medical exam. Respond promptly. If Social Security schedules a consultative exam (a doctor they hire to examine you), attend it. Missing it can result in a denial.

You won't receive any money while your case is pending, even if you eventually win. However, if you are approved, you receive back pay going back to the date you became disabled or the date you filed, whichever is later. This can be a substantial amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI process is pending?

Yes, you can work while you wait for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may use your work activity as evidence that you can work and deny your process. Keep your earnings low or document that your work is part-time or temporary while you recover.

What if I don't have recent medical records?

Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Social Security needs current medical evidence—records from the past three months are most helpful. If you can't afford a doctor, look for a community health center or free clinic in your area. Explain that you're filing for disability and need documentation.

Do I need to be unable to work at all to receive SSDI?

You don't need to be completely unable to work, but your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial work. Social Security defines substantial work as earning more than $1,550 per month (in 2024). If you can earn that amount or more, Social Security will likely deny you.

What's the difference between reconsideration and an appeal?

Reconsideration means a different DDS office reviews your case, usually with new medical evidence. An appeal means Social Security's own staff review the original decision. A hearing before a judge is a separate step where you can present your case in person or by phone. Most people move straight to a hearing rather than pursuing reconsideration or appeal.

Can I file for SSDI if I'm still working?

Yes, you can file while working, but your earnings matter. If you earn more than $1,550 per month, Social Security may deny you based on work activity alone. If you earn less than that, file and explain that your condition is worsening or that you expect to stop working soon.