What you need to do to file for SSDI
You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: online through the Social Security website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people start online because you can do it at your own pace and keep a record of what you submitted. The online process is at ssa.gov/applyfordisability.
The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete the initial form. You will answer questions about your medical condition, your work history, and your personal information. Social Security will then send you a list of documents they need from you—usually medical records, work history, and proof of age. You do not submit these documents during the online process; you send them afterward, either by mail, in person, or through your online account once it is created.
After you file, Social Security assigns your case to a disability examiner who reviews everything you submitted. This review typically takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- The online process itself takes 15 to 20 minutes, but you will need to gather and submit medical records and work history documents afterward.
- Social Security will send you a list of specific documents they need; do not guess what to send, because missing documents delay your case.
- The review process takes 3 to 6 months on average, and you will receive a decision by mail once Social Security has finished examining your case.
Documents Social Security will ask for
Social Security needs proof of your medical condition, your work history, and your identity. For your medical condition, gather recent medical records from the doctors who have treated you—including test results, diagnoses, and notes about your symptoms and limitations. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may ask you to get a medical exam at their expense before they make a decision.
For work history, you will need to list every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked, what you did, and how much you earned. Social Security uses this information to confirm you have worked long enough to be insured under SSDI. You do not need to provide documents for every job—just be ready to give names, dates, and earnings if Social Security asks.
For identity, bring a birth certificate, passport, or state ID. If you do not have an original document, a certified copy from the agency that issued it will work. Social Security will tell you exactly which documents they need once you file; they send this list by mail or through your online account.
Filing online versus by phone or in person
Filing online is fastest because you control the pace and can save your progress. You create an account at ssa.gov, answer the questions, and submit. Once you finish, you can log back in to check the status of your case and upload documents as Social Security requests them. This method works well if you are comfortable using a computer and want to keep a record of everything you submitted.
Filing by phone means calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and file your process over the phone. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You still have to send in documents afterward, but you do not need to create an online account unless you want to check your case status later.
Filing in person at your local Social Security office means walking in or scheduling an appointment. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. An employee will help you fill out the process and can answer questions about what documents you need. This method works best if you need help understanding the questions or if you do not have internet access at home.
What happens after you file
Once Social Security receives your process, they send you a notice with your case number and the address where you should mail documents. Keep this notice—you will need the case number if you call Social Security with questions. If you filed online, you can also check your case status by logging into your account at ssa.gov.
Social Security will review your medical records and work history. If they need more information, they will contact you by mail or phone. They may ask your doctors for additional records, or they may schedule you for a medical exam. Do not ignore these requests—if you do not respond, Social Security may deny your case.
You will receive a decision by mail. If Social Security approves your case, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If they deny your case, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal.
If you need help filing
You can get free help filing from a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project or a Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program. These are federally funded organizations in every state that help people understand SSDI and file applications. You can find your local WIPA or PABSS at askjan.org or by calling 1-855-500-9472.
You can also hire a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to help you with your case. They charge a fee only if Social Security approves your case, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability started). You do not have to hire a representative to file—many people file on their own—but some people find it helpful, especially if their case is denied and they need to appeal.
Common mistakes to avoid when filing
The biggest mistake is not sending in all the documents Social Security asks for. If you ignore their request for medical records or work history, your case will stall. Social Security cannot make a decision without this information. If you are missing records, call your doctor's office and ask them to send copies directly to Social Security. Include your case number in the request so the records get to the right place.
Another mistake is waiting too long to file. SSDI benefits do not go back to the date you became disabled—they go back only to the date you file. If you have been unable to work for a year but have not filed yet, you have lost a year of benefits. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefits can start.
A third mistake is not keeping copies of what you submit. If you mail documents to Social Security, make copies first. If Social Security says they never received something, you will have proof that you sent it. If you file online, print or save a copy of your completed process before you submit it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SSDI while I am still working?
Yes. You can work and file at the same time. However, if you are earning more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024, though this amount changes yearly), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. The amount varies by year, so ask Social Security what the current limit is when you file.
What if I do not have medical records from a doctor?
Tell Social Security when you file. They can schedule you for a medical exam at no cost to you, and a doctor they choose will examine you. This exam becomes part of your case file. If you have seen any doctor—even once—send those records; they help Social Security understand your condition.
How long does it take to hear back after I file?
Most cases take 3 to 6 months from the date you file to the date you receive a decision. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information or if your case is complex. You can check your case status online or by calling 1-800-772-1213 if you have not heard back after 6 months.
What if Social Security denies my case?
You have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. The first step is called reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your case. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people win on appeal, especially if they submit new medical evidence.
Do I have to use a lawyer to file?
No. You can file on your own without a lawyer or representative. Many people do. A representative can be helpful if your case is denied and you need to appeal, or if your medical situation is complex. If you hire one, they are paid only if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay.