What "getting disability" actually means

Getting disability means filing a claim with Social Security to receive monthly payments because a medical condition prevents you from working. Social Security runs two programs: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance, for people who have worked) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income, for people with low income and resources). Both require you to prove your condition is severe enough to stop you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death.

The process starts with you submitting a claim. Social Security does not contact you first — you have to reach out. Once you file, a Social Security examiner reviews your medical records, work history, and age to decide whether you meet their definition of disabled. Most people are turned down the first time. If that happens, you can ask for reconsideration or file an appeal.

This is not a quick process. From the day you file to a final decision typically takes one to three years, though it varies widely by your state and the complexity of your case.

Key Takeaways

  • You start by contacting Social Security directly — by phone at 1-800-772-1213, online at ssa.gov, or in person at your local Social Security office — to file a claim.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and details about your condition, so gathering these documents before you call saves time.
  • SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes; SSI is for people with very low income and few resources, regardless of work history.
  • Most first claims are denied, and the next step is usually to request reconsideration or file an appeal with a hearing before a judge.
  • You can work with a disability representative or attorney to help with your claim, and they only get paid if you win.

Deciding which program fits your situation

The first question Social Security will ask is whether you have worked and paid into Social Security. If you have worked full-time for several years, you likely may have access to for SSDI. If you have not worked much, or your work history is very recent, you may may have access to for SSI instead — or possibly both at the same time.

SSDI is based on your work record. To may have access to, you need to have worked long enough and recently enough to have built up what Social Security calls "insured status." The exact requirement depends on your age — younger workers need fewer years of work history, older workers need more. When you file, Social Security will tell you whether you have enough work credits.

SSI has no work requirement. Instead, it looks at your current income and resources. If you have less than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit is higher if you are married), and your monthly income is below a certain amount, you may be SSI-may be able to access. The income and resource limits change each year, so ask Social Security for the current numbers when you call.

Some people may have access to for both programs. If you do, Social Security will pay you SSDI first, and SSI will top up the payment if the SSDI amount is low.

What you need to gather before you file

Social Security will ask for specific documents. Having them ready before you call or visit makes the process faster. You do not need to have everything — Social Security can request records directly from doctors and hospitals — but providing what you have speeds things up.

Bring or be ready to describe: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, a list of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition, dates of those treatments, and the names and phone numbers of the providers. You will also need to describe your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, employers, and dates you worked there.

If you have medical records at home — test results, imaging reports, doctor's notes, hospital discharge summaries — gather those too. Bring them with you if you visit an office, or mention them when you call so Social Security knows to request them from your providers. Records that show the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work are the most important.

If you are explore for SSI, also bring proof of your income and resources: recent pay stubs, bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, and documentation of any other income you receive.

How to file your claim

You have three ways to file: by phone, online, or in person at a Social Security office.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). Social Security is busiest early in the week and early in the month. You will speak to a representative who will ask questions about your medical condition, work history, and current situation. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You do not need an appointment.

Online: Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability." You can start an process and save it to finish later. The online form walks you through the questions step by step. When you finish, Social Security will contact you to verify information. This route works well if you prefer to work at your own pace or have trouble reaching the phone line.

In person: Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov using the office locator. Walk in during business hours, or call ahead to make an appointment. Bring the documents listed above. An employee will help you fill out the process and answer questions about your condition and work history.

Whichever way you file, Social Security will give you a receipt number. Keep it. You will use it to check on your claim status later.

What happens after you file

After you submit your claim, Social Security sends it to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). This agency reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. The examiner will request records from your doctors, hospitals, and any other providers you listed.

You may be asked to go to a medical exam paid for by Social Security. This is not a second opinion — it is a way for Social Security to get current information about your condition. You do not pay for this exam.

The DDS examiner will also look at your age, education, and work history. Social Security has rules about what kinds of work people of different ages can do. A 55-year-old with a high school education and a back injury may be found disabled even if a 35-year-old with the same injury would not be, because the older person has fewer job options.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, Social Security will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

What to do if your claim is denied

Most people are denied on their first claim. This does not mean you are ineligible — it often means Social Security needs more or better medical evidence, or your condition does not yet meet their rules.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to ask for reconsideration. This means a different examiner will review your case, usually with new medical evidence you provide. You can submit additional records from your doctors, test results, or a written statement from your provider explaining why your condition prevents work.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can file an appeal and request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many people win. At a hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions, and have a representative speak for you. The judge will make a new decision based on everything presented.

The appeal process takes time — often one to two years from request to hearing — but it is your right. You do not have to give up after a denial.

Working with a representative or attorney

You can file and handle your case alone, or you can work with someone to help. A disability representative or disability attorney can gather medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and argue your case before a judge.

The key rule: they only get paid if you win. If Social Security approves your claim or a judge rules in your favor, the representative or attorney receives a fee — up to 25% of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began), with a current cap of $7,200. If you lose, they get nothing. This means they have an incentive to take cases they believe in.

To find a representative, search the Social Security website for "Find a Representative" or ask your local legal aid office. Many disability attorneys work on this fee arrangement and do free consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months, though some states are faster or slower. If you are denied and appeal, a hearing before a judge typically takes one to two years. The total time from filing to a final decision can be three years or more.

Can I work while my claim is being decided?

Yes. You can work and earn money while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may consider you able to do substantial work and deny your claim. The limit changes each year. If you are approved, you can continue to work under rules called "work incentives" that let you earn some money without losing all your benefits.

What if I do not have medical records?

Social Security can request them directly from your doctors and hospitals. When you file, give the names and addresses of all providers who have treated you. Social Security will contact them. If you have not seen a doctor recently, consider scheduling an appointment before you file, because Social Security needs current medical evidence to approve your claim.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file on your own and handle your case alone. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing, having a representative or attorney increases your chances of winning. Many people win at the hearing stage after losing the initial claim.

What if I am already receiving unemployment or workers' compensation?

You can file for SSDI while receiving unemployment. However, if you are receiving workers' compensation for the same condition, Social Security may reduce your SSDI payment. Tell Social Security about any other benefits you are receiving when you file.