What you need to do to start receiving SSDI

To receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you must file an process with Social Security, provide medical evidence that you have a condition that prevents you from working, and wait for Social Security to make a decision. The process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer. You can explore online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

SSDI is not automatic. Social Security receives your process, reviews your medical records, and decides whether your condition meets their definition of disability. You are not may provide approval on your first process — many people are denied initially and must request reconsideration or appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and details about how your condition limits what you can do — gather these before you explore.
  • The decision process takes three to six months on average, but you can check the status of your process online using your Social Security account.
  • If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days, and later to appeal to an administrative law judge.
  • You do not need a lawyer to explore, but many people hire one if they are denied and must appeal — lawyers are paid only if you win.

Where to file your SSDI process

Social Security offers three ways to explore for SSDI. The fastest and most common route is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You can start the process at any time, save your progress, and come back to finish it later. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one.

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A Social Security representative will walk you through the questions and submit your process. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

You can also explore in person at your local Social Security office. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices require you to make an appointment first. explore in person takes longer than online or phone, but some people prefer it if they have questions or need help filling out the form.

What information and documents you will need

Before you start your process, gather these documents: your Social Security card (or a record of your number), birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years with dates and the names of your employers. You will also need the names and phone numbers of your doctors and hospitals where you have received treatment for your condition.

Social Security will ask detailed questions about your medical condition: when it started, what symptoms you have, what medications you take, and how it affects your ability to work, walk, sit, lift, remember things, or concentrate. Write down specific examples before you explore — for instance, "I can walk only 50 feet before my legs hurt" or "I forget conversations from the day before" — because vague answers slow down the review.

You do not need to submit medical records with your process. Social Security will request them directly from your doctors and hospitals after you explore. However, if you have recent records that clearly show your diagnosis and how severe it is, you can upload them to your online process or bring them to your local office. This can speed up the decision.

How Social Security reviews your process

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. This office is run by your state but follows federal rules. A team at DDS — usually a doctor and a disability examiner — reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

Social Security's definition is strict: your condition must prevent you from doing any kind of 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 is severe enough to stop you from working, not whether it is serious or painful.

If your doctors have not provided enough information, DDS may order a consultative examination (CE) — a free medical exam paid for by Social Security. A doctor or psychologist will examine you and send a report to DDS. You will receive a notice telling you where and when to go. If you cannot attend, call the number on the notice to reschedule.

How long the decision takes and how to check your status

Most SSDI decisions take three to six months. Some take longer if your case is complex or if DDS is backlogged. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Social Security will send you a notice in the mail when a decision is made. The notice will say whether you are approved or denied. If you are approved, it will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Do not assume your process has been lost if you do not hear back within a few months. Processing times vary by state and by how complete your medical records are. Check your online account or call before you contact your local office.

What happens if your process is denied

About 65 to 70 percent of people are denied on their first process. A denial does not mean you cannot receive SSDI — it means Social Security decided your condition does not meet their definition of disability at that moment. You have the right to challenge the decision.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to request reconsideration. This means DDS will review your case again, usually with a different examiner. You can submit new medical records, new statements from your doctors, or new information about how your condition has worsened. Many people are approved on reconsideration if they provide stronger medical evidence.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a formal appeal where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. You have 60 days from the second denial notice to request a hearing. Many people hire a lawyer at this stage because the hearing process is more complex, and the approval rate is higher with legal representation.

Working with a lawyer or representative

You do not need a lawyer to explore for SSDI or to request reconsideration. Many people handle these steps on their own. However, if your process is denied and you decide to appeal to a hearing, a lawyer or accredited representative can help you prepare your case and present it to the judge.

SSDI lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win your case. If you are approved, the lawyer receives 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when you first applied) up to a maximum of $7,200, set by federal law. You pay nothing upfront. Social Security must approve the fee before the lawyer is paid.

You can find a lawyer through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by searching "SSDI lawyer" in your area. Many offer free consultations. If you cannot afford a lawyer, some nonprofits offer free help with appeals — ask your local legal aid office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI, but if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are able to work and deny your process. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible while your case is pending. The amount changes each year.

What if I do not have medical records from a doctor?

You should see a doctor before you explore if you can. Social Security needs medical evidence to approve your case. If you cannot afford a doctor, look for a free or low-cost clinic in your area, or ask your local health department for referrals. If you have no medical records at all, Social Security may order a consultative examination.

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

Yes. SSDI requires that your condition prevent you from doing any kind of substantial work. If Social Security believes you can do any job — even a different job than you did before — they may deny you. This is why describing exactly what you cannot do is important in your process.

How do I know if my condition qualifies for SSDI?

Social Security publishes a list of conditions that automatically may have access to (called the "Blue Book"), but having a condition on that list is not required. Your condition qualifies if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. The only way to know for certain is to explore and let Social Security review your medical records.

Can I explore for SSDI if I have never worked?

No. SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes. If you have never worked, you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program with different rules. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which program you might be able to receive.