You explore for SSDI directly to Social Security, not through California SDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You cannot file through California's State Disability Insurance program. Instead, you create an account on Social Security's website, complete the online process, and submit medical records and work history directly to SSA. The entire process happens online unless you choose to visit a local Social Security office or call their national helpline.

The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete if you have your documents ready. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, W-2 forms or tax returns from the past year, and a list of doctors and hospitals that have treated you. SSA will ask for details about your medical condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI applications are filed at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, not through any California state program.
  • You need your Social Security number, medical records from your doctors, and work history from the past 15 years to complete the process.
  • The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes, but SSA typically takes three to five months to make a decision after you submit.
  • You can save your process and return to it later if you do not have all documents ready when you start.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to request reconsideration or appeal to a judge, and most people who appeal win their case.

Creating your Social Security account

Before you can file online, you need a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Go to the website and click "Create an account" in the upper right corner. You will enter your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Social Security will send a verification link to your email — click it within 24 hours to set up the account.

Once your account is active, you can log in and start the SSDI process. You do not need to create a separate account for each family member; each person files their own process with their own Social Security number. If you already have a my Social Security account for other reasons (checking your earnings record, for example), use that same login to file for disability.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the process. Having them ready means you can finish in one sitting instead of saving and returning multiple times.

  • Your Social Security number — required to start the process.
  • Birth certificate or other proof of birth date — a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license works.
  • Names and addresses of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you — include the dates you saw each provider. SSA will contact them directly for medical records.
  • W-2 forms or tax returns for the past year — to verify your recent work history and earnings.
  • A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years — include job titles, employers, dates worked, and what your duties were.
  • Information about any medications you take — the names and dosages.
  • Names of anyone who can verify your work history — former supervisors or coworkers, if SSA needs to confirm details.

You do not need to upload documents during the process itself. SSA will request them after you submit. However, having this list in front of you as you fill out the form will speed up the process and reduce errors.

Completing the online process step by step

Log into your my Social Security account and select "explore for Disability Benefits." The process is divided into sections covering your personal information, medical history, work history, and living situation.

In the personal information section, you will enter your name, address, phone number, and email. Be accurate — SSA uses this to contact you about your case. In the medical section, you will describe your condition, when it started, and how it affects your daily activities and ability to work. Be specific: instead of "I have back pain," write "I have a herniated disc that causes sharp pain when I stand for more than 30 minutes, and I cannot lift more than 10 pounds."

The work history section asks about every job you have held in the past 15 years. For each job, enter the employer name, your job title, dates you worked there, and what you did. SSA uses this to determine whether you have worked recently enough to be insured under SSDI (you must have worked five of the past ten years, with at least 20 quarters of coverage in the past three years for most applicants under age 31).

At the end, you will review your answers and electronically sign the process. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you will need it to check the status of your case.

What happens after you submit your process

SSA will send you a letter within two weeks confirming that your process was received. This letter will include your case number and instructions for submitting additional documents if needed. Do not wait for SSA to contact your doctors — you can send medical records yourself to speed up the process. Call your doctor's office and ask them to send your medical records directly to SSA, or request copies and mail them yourself to the address on your confirmation letter.

SSA typically takes three to five months to review your process and make a decision. During this time, they will obtain your medical records from your doctors and hospitals, review your work history with the Social Security earnings record, and may request additional information from you. If they need something, they will contact you by mail or phone at the number you provided.

You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account and selecting "View your process status." This page will show whether SSA is still reviewing your case, whether they have requested additional information, or whether a decision has been made.

What to do if you are denied

About 65 to 70 percent of initial applications are denied. This does not mean your case is over. You have the right to request reconsideration, which means SSA will review your case again with a different examiner. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your denial letter.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Most people who reach a hearing win their case, especially if they have representation from a disability lawyer or non-lawyer advocate. You do not have to pay a lawyer upfront — they are paid from your back pay if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less.

To request reconsideration or appeal, fill out Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) or Form ssa-561-u2 (Request for Hearing), available at ssa.gov. You can mail these forms to the address on your denial letter or bring them to your local Social Security office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes. You can work and file for SSDI at the same time. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), SSA may conclude you are not disabled. The amount changes yearly. If you are approved, you can earn up to $1,550 monthly during a nine-month trial work period without losing benefits.

How long does it take to get a decision after I submit my process online?

Most decisions take three to five months. Some cases take longer if SSA needs additional medical records or if your condition is complex. You can check your case status in your my Social Security account anytime.

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

You can submit the process without them. SSA will request records from your doctors after you file. However, providing records yourself speeds up the process. Ask your doctor's office to send records to SSA, or request copies and mail them to the address on your confirmation letter.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI online?

No. The initial process is free and you can complete it yourself. However, if you are denied and decide to appeal, a lawyer or advocate can significantly improve your chances. Most representatives work on contingency and are paid only if you win.

What is the difference between SSDI and California SDI?

California SDI is a state program that pays temporary benefits if you cannot work due to a non-work injury or illness. SSDI is a federal program for people with long-term disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You file for SSDI with Social Security, not with California.