What happens when you file a disability claim
When you file a disability claim, you are submitting an process to Social Security that asks them to review your medical condition and work history to determine whether you meet their definition of disability. Social Security will not make a decision on the same day you explore. Instead, your process goes into a queue, and a claims examiner will review your medical records, work history, and any new information you provide. The entire process typically takes three to five months, though some cases take longer.
You have three ways to file: online through your Social Security account, by phone with a representative, or in person at your local Social Security office. The information you provide is the same regardless of which method you choose. After you file, Social Security will send you a notice telling you what happens next and what documents they need from you.
Filing a claim does not cost money and does not require a lawyer, though you can hire one if you choose. Many people file on their own the first time and only hire representation if they need to appeal a denial.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online, by phone, or in person, and the process takes three to five months from process to initial decision.
- Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and details about your condition and how it affects your daily activities.
- You do not need a lawyer to file, but you can hire one to represent you during the process or after a denial.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with new medical evidence have a better chance of approval.
Filing online through your Social Security account
The fastest way to file is through your Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one. The account setup takes about ten minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security).
Once you are logged in, look for the option to "explore for Disability Benefits" or "explore for SSI" depending on which program you are filing for. The form will ask you questions about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors you see, your work history for the past fifteen years, and how your condition affects your ability to work. You can save your progress and come back later if you need to gather information.
After you submit the form online, you will receive a confirmation number. Social Security will send you a letter within two weeks confirming they received your process and telling you what documents to send next. Keep your confirmation number in a safe place—you will need it if you call Social Security with questions about your case.
Filing by phone or in person
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will file your process over the phone. The call usually takes thirty to forty-five minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.
You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times vary. Call ahead to ask how busy your office is. An employee will help you fill out the process in person. This method is slower than online or phone filing because you have to travel and wait, but it may be your best option if you need help understanding the questions.
Documents and information Social Security will request
After you file, Social Security will send you a list of documents they need. The most important are your medical records—specifically records from the doctors who treat your condition. You do not have to gather these yourself. You can give Social Security permission to request them directly from your doctors' offices, which is usually faster and more complete than collecting them yourself.
Social Security will also ask for your work history. Have ready the names and dates of your last fifteen years of jobs, your job titles, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or business records showing your income. You will also need to explain how your condition prevents you from doing the work you did before and prevents you from doing other work.
If you have already been denied for disability before, bring that denial letter. If you receive workers' compensation or unemployment benefits, bring documentation of those as well. Social Security uses all of this information together to make their decision.
| Document Type | Why Social Security Needs It | How to Provide It |
|---|---|---|
| Medical records from your doctors | To confirm your diagnosis and see how severe your condition is | Sign a release form so Social Security can request them directly from your doctors |
| Work history for the past 15 years | To determine if you worked recently enough and long enough to be insured | List job titles, employers, dates, and type of work you performed |
| Birth certificate or passport | To verify your identity | Bring the original or a certified copy to your local office or upload a photo |
| Tax returns (if self-employed) | To verify your income and work history | Provide copies for the past two years |
What happens after you file
Within two weeks, Social Security will send you a letter confirming your process was received. This letter will include your case number and instructions on what to do next. Read it carefully because it will tell you which documents to send and where to send them.
A claims examiner will then review your file. If they need more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. This is normal and does not mean your claim is being denied. Answer their questions as completely as you can and send any documents they request within the timeframe they give you.
Social Security will send you a decision letter in the mail. This letter will say whether you were approved or denied. If you were approved, it will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
Hiring a representative to help with your claim
You do not need a lawyer to file a disability claim, but you can hire one if you want help. You can also hire a non-lawyer representative called a disability advocate or accredited representative. These representatives are trained in disability law and can help you gather documents, prepare your case, and represent you if you need to appeal.
Representatives can only charge you a fee if Social Security approves your claim and you receive back pay (money owed to you from the date your disability began). The fee is limited by law to 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. You do not pay anything upfront, and you do not pay if you are denied.
To find a representative, visit ssa.gov/representation and search the directory of accredited representatives in your area. You can also contact your state's disability rights organization, which often has lists of low-cost or free representatives.
What to do if your claim is denied
If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You have sixty days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Do not wait—if you miss this important date, you will have to file a new claim and start over.
There are four levels of appeal. The first is called reconsideration, which means a different claims examiner will review your case. Most people file for reconsideration and include new medical evidence that was not in the original file. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is the second level. Many people who appeal with new medical records are approved at the hearing stage.
When you appeal, send any new medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors explaining how your condition has worsened or how it affects your ability to work. New evidence is the most common reason claims are approved on appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for disability if I have not worked in several years?
Social Security requires that you have worked recently enough to be "insured." This usually means you need to have worked at least five of the last ten years. If you have not worked recently, you may not meet this requirement. However, if you are under age 31, the rules are different and you may need less work history. Contact Social Security to find out whether you meet the work requirement.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you paid. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need and does not require work history. You file for both using the same process, and Social Security will determine which program you may have access to for based on your age, work history, and income.
How long does it take to hear back after I file?
Most initial decisions take three to five months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs to request additional medical records or if your case is complex. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about the status of your case after two months have passed.
Do I need to tell my employer that I filed for disability?
No. Your disability process is confidential, and Social Security will not contact your employer. However, if you are still working, Social Security will count your income when deciding whether to approve your claim. If you are working and earning more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), you may not meet Social Security's definition of disability.
What happens to my health insurance if I am approved for disability?
If you are approved for SSDI, you will be enrolled in Medicare after you receive benefits for 24 months. If you are approved for SSI, you may be enrolled in Medicaid depending on your state. Social Security will explain your health insurance options in your approval letter.