The First Step: Decide Where to File
You can start a disability claim in three places: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up. By phone, you'll speak to a representative who can answer questions as you go. In person works best if you need help reading forms or prefer to hand over documents directly.
Whichever route you choose, you're filing the same claim with the same agency. The outcome doesn't depend on how you file—only on what you report and what medical records support it. Most people who file online report the process takes 15 to 20 minutes. Phone calls typically run 30 to 45 minutes because the representative reads questions aloud and records your answers.
If you're already receiving Retirement or Survivors benefits, you cannot file a new disability claim. Instead, you'd ask Social Security to convert your existing claim to a disability claim—a different process that happens by phone or in person only.
Key Takeaways
- You can file online, by phone, or in person, and the choice affects only speed and convenience, not the outcome of your claim.
- Before you file, gather your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of doctors and hospitals you've visited in the past year.
- The claim form itself takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your method, but the full review process takes three to six months on average.
- Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request medical records, so you do not need to collect them yourself before filing.
- If you're denied, you have 60 days from the denial letter to file an appeal, and most people who appeal with new medical evidence succeed.
What You Need Before You File
Gather these documents before you start, whether you're filing online or by phone. You'll need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card). Have your driver's license or state ID ready as well.
Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider you've seen in the past year. Include the dates you saw them and what you were treated for. If you've had surgery, imaging tests, or lab work, note those too. Social Security will contact these providers directly to pull your records, so you don't need to collect them yourself—but having the names and dates ready speeds up the process.
If you have work history from the past 15 years, jot down the names of your employers and the years you worked there. Social Security already has your earnings record on file, but having this list helps you catch any gaps or errors when the form asks about your work.
Filing Online: Step by Step
Go to ssa.gov and click "explore for Disability." You'll be asked to sign in to your my Social Security account. If you don't have one, you can create it on the same page—it takes about five minutes and requires your email, a password, and answers to security questions.
The online form walks you through your medical history, work history, and current symptoms. It asks when your condition started, what doctors you see, what medications you take, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Answer as completely as you can. If a question doesn't explore to you, you can skip it, but the more detail you provide, the clearer your case becomes.
At the end, you'll review your answers and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Social Security will send you a letter within two weeks confirming they received your claim and assigning it a case number. Keep both the confirmation number and the case number—you'll use them if you need to call or check on your claim's status.
Filing by Phone or In Person
To file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your documents ready before you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form, but they'll read them aloud and type your answers into the system. If you don't understand a question, ask them to rephrase it. The call will be recorded for quality purposes.
To file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the same number to make an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. Bring originals or certified copies of your birth certificate and proof of citizenship. Bring a photo ID. The office staff will fill out the form with you, which takes about 30 minutes. You'll leave with a receipt showing your claim number.
Whether by phone or in person, you'll receive a written confirmation in the mail within two weeks. If you don't receive it, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your claim was filed and get your case number.
What Happens After You File
After you submit your claim, Social Security sends letters to all the doctors and providers you listed, asking them to send your medical records. This usually takes two to four weeks. You don't need to contact them yourself—Social Security handles it. If a provider is slow to respond, Social Security will follow up.
While Social Security collects your records, a Disability Examiner is assigned to your case. The examiner reviews your medical evidence against the rules for disability—whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. This review takes one to three months on average, though some cases take longer if records are incomplete or if your condition is complex.
You'll receive a decision letter in the mail. The letter will say you're approved, denied, or approved for a different benefit than you applied for (such as Supplemental Security Income instead of SSDI). If you're approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you'll receive. If you're denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed
The most common delay is incomplete medical records. If a doctor's office doesn't respond to Social Security's request, the examiner will send a second request and wait another two weeks. If records still don't arrive, the examiner may make a decision based on what they have, which sometimes results in a denial. To avoid this, make sure you list every provider you've seen, including mental health providers and physical therapists.
Another delay happens when your medical records don't clearly describe your symptoms or limitations. For example, if your doctor's notes say "patient reports pain" but don't describe how the pain affects your ability to sit, stand, or concentrate, the examiner may request a more detailed report. This can add two to four weeks to your case.
If you've worked recently or have a work history that's unclear, Social Security may request a Residual Functional Capacity evaluation—a detailed report from your doctor about what physical and mental tasks you can still do. This report takes time to prepare and can delay a decision by four to eight weeks.
What to Do While You Wait
Keep working with your doctors and follow their treatment plans. Social Security reviews your medical records to see whether you're receiving ongoing care and following medical information. If you stop seeing doctors or stop taking prescribed medications, it weakens your case.
If you move or change your phone number, contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to update your address and contact information. If Social Security can't reach you, they may close your claim or make a decision without hearing from you.
Don't contact Social Security repeatedly to ask about your case status. The examiner is working on it, and calling doesn't speed it up. You can check your status online through your my Social Security account, which updates every few weeks. If you have new medical records or test results, you can submit them by mail to the address on your claim confirmation letter, but include your case number so they get added to the right file.
If Your Claim Is Denied
A denial doesn't mean you can't receive benefits. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. The appeal is called a Request for Reconsideration, and it goes to a different examiner who reviews your entire case from the start.
Most people who appeal include new medical evidence—test results, updated doctor's notes, or records from a specialist they've seen since the original claim. If your condition has worsened or you've received new treatment, that evidence often changes the outcome. About 35 percent of people who appeal with new medical evidence are approved on reconsideration.
You can file a Request for Reconsideration online, by phone, or in person using the same methods as your original claim. The form is shorter and focuses on what's changed since your first decision. The reconsideration process takes two to four months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a disability claim if I'm still working?
Yes. Social Security doesn't require you to stop working before you file. However, if you're earning more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may assume you're able to work and deny your claim. If you're working but earning less than this amount, or if you're working part-time while your condition prevents full-time work, include that detail in your claim.
How long does it take to get a decision?
The average is three to six months from the date you file. Some cases are decided in six weeks if records arrive quickly and your condition is straightforward. Others take nine months or longer if records are incomplete or if your case is complex. You can check your status online through your my Social Security account.
Do I need a lawyer to file a disability claim?
No. You can file and win without a lawyer. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal, a lawyer or non-lawyer representative can help you gather evidence and prepare for a hearing. You only pay them if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200.
What if I don't have all my medical records?
You don't need to collect them yourself. Social Security requests records directly from your doctors and hospitals. List every provider you've seen, and Social Security will contact them. If a provider doesn't respond, Social Security will follow up. The process takes longer if records are scattered across many providers, so being thorough with your provider list helps.
Can I file a claim on behalf of someone else?
If you're filing for a minor child, you can file online or in person as the parent or guardian. If you're filing for an adult who cannot manage their own claim due to cognitive or mental health limitations, you can file as their representative, but you'll need to establish legal authority (power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship). Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation.