The first step: understand which program fits your situation

Social Security runs two separate disability programs, and which one you work with depends on your age and work history. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people under 65 who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with very low income and resources, regardless of work history — it includes disabled children and adults over 65.

If you worked for at least five of the last ten years and paid into Social Security, SSDI is your path. If you have little or no work history, or your income and savings are very low, SSI may be the option. Some people may have access to for both at the same time. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine which program applies to you based on what you report.

You do not need to choose between them yourself. When you contact Social Security to begin, tell them your situation — your age, work history, and current income — and they will direct you to the right program.

Key Takeaways

  • You start by contacting Social Security directly through their website, phone line, or a local office; there is no separate process portal or third-party service.
  • Social Security will ask you to describe your medical condition, your work history, and your current income, and will request permission to contact your doctors.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to request reconsideration or a hearing before a judge, and many people are approved at the hearing stage.

How to contact Social Security and start your claim

You can begin the process in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. The online option is fastest if you have a my Social Security account, which you can create at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and basic information about your medical condition and work history.

If you call, have the same information ready. A representative will walk you through questions about your condition, when it started, what doctors you see, and your work history. The call usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, you can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.

When you contact Social Security, they will ask you to sign a form called the Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration. This gives them permission to request medical records from your doctors, hospitals, and any other providers who have treated you. Without this authorization, they cannot move forward.

What information Social Security will need from you

Social Security will ask detailed questions about your medical condition: what it is, when it started, what symptoms you have, and how it affects your ability to work. Be specific. Instead of "I have back pain," describe what you cannot do: "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes" or "I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds." Social Security evaluates whether your condition prevents you from doing any kind of work, not just your previous job.

They will also ask about your work history — every job you have held in the last 15 years, the dates you worked, and what you did. If you are explore for SSDI, they need this to confirm you have worked long enough. If you are explore for SSI, work history matters less, but they will still ask about any current income or resources you have.

You will need to list all doctors, therapists, hospitals, and clinics you have visited for your condition. Include the names, addresses, and phone numbers if you have them. Social Security will contact these providers directly to request your medical records, test results, and treatment notes. The more complete your medical record, the faster the process moves.

What happens after you submit your information

Once you submit your claim, Social Security sends it to a state agency called the Disability information Services (DDS). This agency reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. That definition is strict: your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. A temporary illness or injury, even a serious one, does not may have access to.

The DDS may request additional medical evidence from your doctors. If your records are incomplete, they may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative examination — a one-time appointment that Social Security pays for. This is not a test you can pass or fail; it is straightforward a way for Social Security to get current information about your condition.

During this time, you do not need to do anything unless Social Security contacts you. If they request information, respond as quickly as you can. Delays in providing records can slow the decision.

Timeline: how long the process takes

An initial decision typically comes within three to six months. Some cases move faster if your medical records are complete and clearly show you cannot work. Others take longer if records are scattered across multiple providers or if your condition is complex.

SSDI and SSI follow the same timeline for the initial decision. However, if you are approved for SSDI, there is a five-month waiting period before your first payment arrives. SSI has no waiting period — payments can begin the month after approval.

If Social Security denies your claim, you enter the appeals process. You have 60 days to request reconsideration, which sends your case back to the DDS for another look. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This stage often takes several months to schedule, but many people who were denied initially are approved at the hearing.

What to do while you wait for a decision

Keep all medical appointments and follow your doctor's treatment plan. Social Security reviews what you are actually doing to treat your condition. If you stop seeing doctors or stop taking prescribed medication, Social Security may conclude your condition is not as serious as you reported.

Save copies of any medical records, test results, or letters from your doctors that describe your condition and limitations. You can submit these directly to Social Security at any point — you do not have to wait for them to request them. Having your own copies also helps if records get lost in the mail or if a provider's office is slow to respond.

Do not work while your claim is pending, or work only very part-time. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit for substantial gainful activity), Social Security will assume you can work and deny your claim. This limit changes yearly. If you need income while waiting, ask Social Security about expedited reinstatement or other options.

If your claim is denied: your right to appeal

A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits. You have three levels of appeal: reconsideration, a hearing before a judge, and further review. Many people are approved at the hearing stage, especially if they have new medical evidence or representation.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing. At a hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions from the judge, and have a representative (such as a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate) speak on your behalf.

If you decide to appeal, consider working with a representative. Many disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and only from your back pay. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking your local legal aid office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore online, or do I have to call or go to an office?

You can start online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Online is usually fastest, but all three methods lead to the same process.

What if I do not have complete medical records from all my doctors?

Tell Social Security which doctors you have seen and provide the contact information you have. Social Security will request the records directly. If a provider is slow to respond, you can follow up with them yourself and ask them to send records to Social Security's address.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

You do not need a lawyer to explore for benefits. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing, having a representative can improve your chances. Many people win at the hearing stage with representation.

What if I start working part-time while my claim is pending?

If you earn more than $1,550 per month (2024 limit), Social Security will likely deny your claim based on substantial gainful activity. If you earn less, report it to Social Security. Work history and current earnings affect your case.

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

For SSDI, you receive back pay from the date you became disabled, minus the five-month waiting period. For SSI, back pay starts from the month you filed your claim. The exact amount depends on your condition's start date and your benefit rate.