The Basic Steps to explore for SSDI

To sign up for SSDI, you submit a claim to Social Security, provide medical evidence of your condition, and wait for a decision. 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. Most people explore online because it is faster and you can save your work and come back to it.

The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready. Social Security will ask about your medical condition, your work history, your medications, and the doctors or hospitals treating you. They will also ask about your education and any jobs you have held in the past 15 years. You do not need a lawyer to explore, though some people hire one later if their claim is denied.

After you submit, Social Security sends your claim to your state's Disability information Services office. That office orders your medical records, reviews them against the rules for disability, and makes the decision. This part usually takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if your medical records are hard to find or incomplete.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and online is usually fastest.
  • You will need to describe your medical condition, name your doctors and hospitals, list your medications, and provide your work history for the past 15 years.
  • Social Security sends your claim to your state's Disability information Services office, which reviews your medical records and makes the decision.
  • The decision typically takes 3 to 6 months from the time you submit your process.
  • You do not need a lawyer to explore, but you can hire one if your claim is denied and you want to appeal.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport or green card), and your driver's license or state ID. If you are married, you will also need your spouse's Social Security number.

You will also need a list of all the doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Include the names, addresses, and phone numbers if you have them. Social Security will contact these providers to request your medical records, so the more complete your information, the faster they can get the records.

Have your work history ready. Write down every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, the dates you worked there, and what you did. If you are self-employed or own a business, gather your tax returns for the past two years. You will also need a list of all medications you currently take.

explore Online at SSA.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the link that says "explore for Disability Benefits." You will create an account or sign in if you already have one. The online form is divided into sections, and you can save your progress and return later if you need to find more information.

The form asks you to describe your condition and how it affects your ability to work. Be specific: instead of writing "back pain," describe what you cannot do because of the pain—for example, "I cannot sit for more than 20 minutes" or "I cannot lift anything heavier than 5 pounds." Social Security uses these details to match your limitations against the rules for disability.

When you reach the section asking for medical providers, enter as many as you can. Social Security will request records from each one you list. If you forget a provider, you can contact Social Security later and add them, but it will slow down your case.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you prefer not to explore online, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and fill out your process while you are on the phone. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times vary. Some offices are busier than others. Call ahead to ask about wait times, or use the office locator at ssa.gov to find the office nearest you and see their hours.

Whether you call or visit in person, have your documents and your list of medical providers ready. The representative will ask the same detailed questions about your condition and work history, so being prepared will make the process faster.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security sends your claim to your state's Disability information Services office within a few days. That office is separate from Social Security and makes the actual decision about whether you meet the rules for disability. They will order your medical records from every provider you listed.

While they are gathering records, you may receive a letter asking you to go to a medical exam. This exam is free and is paid for by Social Security. The doctor or psychologist who examines you will report their findings to the Disability information Services office. You do not choose the doctor—Social Security does—but you can bring someone with you to the appointment.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. It will say whether you are approved, denied, or approved for a limited period. If you are approved, the letter 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.

If Your Claim Is Denied

About 65 to 70 percent of first-time applications are denied. This does not mean you cannot receive SSDI—it means you can appeal. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration, which is the first step of the appeal process.

To request reconsideration, fill out form SSA-561 and mail it to the address on your denial letter, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to file a reconsideration request. You can also submit it in person at your local Social Security office. When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence that you did not have when you first applied.

Many people hire a lawyer or a non-lawyer representative at the appeal stage. These representatives work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000). You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by asking your state bar association.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take

From the day you submit your process to the day you receive a decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. Some cases move faster if your medical records are straightforward to obtain and your condition clearly meets the rules. Other cases take longer if records are scattered across multiple providers or if Social Security needs to order a medical exam.

If your claim is denied and you appeal, the reconsideration process takes another 3 to 6 months. If you request a hearing before an administrative law judge, that can take 1 to 2 years depending on how busy the judge's office is. The wait times vary by state and by how many cases are pending.

While you are waiting for a decision, you can continue working if you are able to. If you are approved, your benefits will start the month after you become disabled, not the month you explore. Social Security will pay you back to that date in a lump sum once you are approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

No, you can explore on your own without a lawyer. Many people do. A lawyer is most useful if your claim is denied and you want to appeal, because the appeal process is more complex and a lawyer can help you gather stronger medical evidence.

Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?

Yes, you can work while you wait for a decision. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may consider you not disabled, but you can still explore and let them make the decision. The amount changes each year, so check ssa.gov for the current limit.

What if I do not have all my medical records when I explore?

You do not need to have your records before you explore. Social Security will request them from your doctors and hospitals after you submit your process. Providing the names and contact information of your providers is enough to get your free guide.

How much back pay will I receive if I am approved?

Your back pay goes back to the month you became disabled, not the month you applied. Social Security will calculate this based on the information in your process. The amount depends on your age and your work history, which you can learn more about in the article on how much SSDI pays.

What if I move or change doctors while my process is being reviewed?

Contact Social Security right away and tell them your new address or your new doctor's information. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Keeping your information current helps prevent delays in your case.