The basic steps to claim SSDI
To claim Social Security Disability Insurance, you file a claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA). 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 SSA will ask you to prove that you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, that the condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, and that you have paid enough Social Security taxes through work.
After you file, the SSA sends your case to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. This office reviews your medical records, may request additional records from your doctors, and makes the first decision on whether you meet the SSA's definition of disability. This process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if the SSA needs more information from you or your doctors.
If the DDS denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. Most people who are denied the first time do appeal, and many succeed on appeal. The appeals process has several stages, and at each stage you can ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Key Takeaways
- You file your SSDI claim online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
- The SSA will need medical records showing your condition, proof that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and documentation of how your condition limits your ability to work.
- The state Disability information Services office makes the first decision, usually within three to six months.
- If you are denied, you can appeal at multiple levels, and many people succeed on appeal with the help of a disability advocate or attorney.
- You do not pay a fee to file or to appeal; if you hire a representative, they can only charge you if you win, and only up to 25 percent of your back pay.
What documents you need to gather before you file
Before you contact the SSA, collect your medical records from every doctor, hospital, clinic, or mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. Include records from the past 12 months if possible, but older records matter too if they show how long your condition has existed. If you have had recent tests, imaging, lab work, or specialist visits, those are especially important.
You will also need your work history. Have ready the names of your employers for the past 15 years, the dates you worked for each, and the type of work you did. The SSA already has a record of your earnings and the taxes you paid, but they may ask you to confirm or clarify your work history. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card).
If you receive treatment from multiple providers, ask each one to send your records directly to the SSA rather than trying to collect them yourself. Providers often respond faster to official SSA requests than to patient requests. You can authorize the SSA to request your records when you file your claim.
Filing online versus by phone or in person
Filing online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is often the fastest route. You can complete the process in sections and save your progress, and you will get a confirmation number when ready. The online form asks detailed questions about your medical condition, your work history, and how your condition affects your daily activities. Most people can finish it in 20 to 30 minutes if they have their information ready.
Filing by phone at 1-800-772-1213 works well if you prefer to talk through the process or if you have questions as you go. A representative will walk you through the same questions and can clarify what the SSA needs. Wait times vary by time of day and season, but calling early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter holds.
Filing in person at your local Social Security office gives you the chance to ask questions face-to-face and to hand over documents directly. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. In-person appointments are usually available within one to two weeks, and you can schedule one online or by phone.
What happens after you file your claim
Once you submit your claim, the SSA sends it to your state's Disability information Services office within one to two weeks. The DDS office reviews your medical records and your work history to decide whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability. They may request additional records from your doctors, ask you to attend a consultative examination (a medical exam paid for by the SSA), or ask you to clarify information on your process.
During this time, you should continue to see your doctors and keep records of your treatment. If you stop seeing doctors or if your medical records show gaps in treatment, the DDS may assume your condition has improved and deny your claim. Tell your doctors that you have filed for disability so they understand why detailed records matter.
The DDS will mail you a decision letter. If you are approved, the letter will tell you the date your benefits begin and when you will receive your first payment. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to appeal.
Understanding the appeals process if you are denied
If the DDS denies your claim, you have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to file an appeal. The first appeal is called a reconsideration, and it goes back to the DDS office. A different examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you submit. Many people submit additional medical records or a statement from their doctor at this stage.
If the DDS denies your reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is the stage where many people first succeed, especially if they have representation. You can bring witnesses (such as your doctor or family members who can speak to how your condition affects you), submit written statements, and question the SSA's medical informed. The hearing usually takes place by video or phone, though you can request an in-person hearing.
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and if they deny you, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. At each stage, you have the right to be represented by a disability advocate or attorney. Most representatives work on contingency, meaning they only charge you if you win, and only up to 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you filed to the date you were approved).
How a disability representative or attorney can help
A disability representative or attorney can gather medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and present your case to an administrative law judge. They know what the SSA looks for and can help you explain how your condition affects your ability to work in terms the SSA understands. Many people who are denied the first time succeed on appeal with representation.
You can hire a representative at any stage of the process, but many people wait until after a denial to do so. If you hire someone before you are approved, they can only charge you if you win. The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay, and the representative must be approved by the SSA. You can find approved representatives through the SSA's website or through disability advocacy organizations in your state.
Some people work with a non-attorney representative (also called a disability advocate or advocate), while others work with a lawyer. Both types of representatives are held to the same fee cap and the same conduct standards. The choice often comes down to what is available in your area and what you feel comfortable with.
What to do if you cannot work while your claim is pending
SSDI claims take time, and you may not have income while you wait. If you are in financial hardship, you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while your SSDI claim is pending. SSI is a needs-based program that provides a small monthly payment to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. You can file for SSI at the same time you file for SSDI, and the SSA will process both claims together.
You may also be able to receive other forms of support while you wait. Medicaid and Medicare can help with medical costs. Food information, housing information, and utility information programs may be available through your state or local government. Contact your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) to find programs in your area.
If you have a job but cannot work full-time because of your condition, you can work part-time and still file for SSDI. The SSA allows you to earn up to a certain amount per month (called substantial gainful activity, or SGA) and still be considered disabled. The amount changes each year; in 2024 it is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI if I have never worked?
No. SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you have paid. If you have never worked or have not worked enough to build up credits, you may be able to file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program that does not require a work history.
How long does it take to get approved for SSDI?
The first decision usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if the SSA needs more medical information. If you are denied and appeal, the reconsideration stage takes another two to three months. A hearing before an administrative law judge can take six months to a year or more, depending on how busy the judge's office is.
What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?
Submit the new medical records to the SSA as soon as you have them. You can mail them, fax them, or upload them through your online account at ssa.gov. New evidence can strengthen your case, especially if it shows that your condition is more severe than your earlier records indicated.
Do I have to see a specific doctor for my SSDI claim?
No. The SSA will review records from any licensed medical provider. If you cannot afford to see a doctor, the SSA may pay for a consultative examination with a doctor they choose. Tell the SSA if you have financial barriers to getting medical care.
What happens to my SSDI if I start working again?
SSDI has work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without when ready losing your benefits. You can earn money and still receive your full SSDI payment during a nine-month trial work period. After that, you enter an extended may be able to access period where you can work and earn above the SGA limit for up to 36 months while keeping your benefits if your earnings drop again.