The Basic Steps to explore for SSDI

You can sign up for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three ways: online through the Social Security website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people start online because you can do it at your own pace and save your work as you go. The online process is at ssa.gov/benefits/disability, and you will need to create a my Social Security account first if you do not already have one.

The process itself asks about your medical condition, when it started, the doctors and hospitals that have treated you, your work history, and your family situation. You do not need to have all your medical records ready before you start — you can gather them after you submit. Social Security will request the specific records they need once they receive your process.

If you prefer not to explore online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule a phone interview or find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. A Social Security representative will walk you through the same questions over the phone or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov/benefits/disability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • The process asks about your medical condition, treatment history, work background, and family details — you do not need medical records before you submit.
  • Social Security will request the medical evidence they need after you explore, so you do not have to gather everything upfront.
  • The process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of the denial letter.

What Information You Will Need During the process

Have your Social Security number, birth date, and citizenship or immigration status ready. You will also need information about your medical condition: when it started, which doctors or hospitals have treated you, and the names of any medications you take. If you have worked in the past five years, bring details about your jobs — employer names, dates you worked, and the type of work you did.

If you are married, divorced, or have children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school), Social Security will ask about them too. Have their names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers if you have them. You do not need to have medical records, test results, or doctor's letters at the time you explore — Social Security will contact your doctors directly and request what they need.

How Long the process Process Takes

From the day you submit your process to the day you receive a decision usually takes three to six months. Some cases move faster if your medical condition is clearly severe and well-documented. Others take longer if Social Security needs additional medical evidence or if your case goes to a hearing.

After you submit, Social Security sends your process to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. That office reviews your medical records, orders any additional tests or evaluations if needed, and makes the initial decision. You will receive a letter in the mail with the decision and an explanation of why you were approved or denied.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Within a few days of submitting, you will receive a confirmation letter with your process number. Keep this number — you will use it if you need to call Social Security with questions. Social Security will then contact the doctors and hospitals you listed to request your medical records. This can take several weeks.

Once the DDS office in your state receives your file, a disability examiner and a medical consultant review everything. If they need more information — such as a recent exam or test results — they may order a consultative exam at no cost to you. You will be notified by mail if this happens and told where and when to go.

If You Are Denied: The Appeal Process

If Social Security denies your process, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who are initially denied are approved on appeal, often at the hearing stage.

For reconsideration, you submit new medical evidence that was not in your original file. For a hearing, you appear before a judge (usually by video or phone) and can bring a representative — either a lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate. Many representatives work on a contingency basis, meaning they are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay.

Working With a Representative During Your process

You do not need a lawyer or representative to explore for SSDI, but many people find one helpful, especially if they have already been denied once. A representative can gather medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and handle communication with Social Security on your behalf. You can hire a representative at any stage — before you explore, after a denial, or before a hearing.

Look for a representative accredited by Social Security. You can search for one at ssa.gov/representation. Accredited representatives include lawyers, non-lawyer advocates, and employees of non-profit organizations. Before you hire anyone, ask about their fee structure and make sure you understand what they will do for you.

Online process vs. Phone or In-Person

The online process at ssa.gov/benefits/disability lets you work at your own speed and save your progress. You can log back in and continue where you left off. The phone and in-person routes are faster if you want to complete everything in one session, but you cannot pause and come back later.

If you have questions while explore online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will help you. If you have trouble creating a my Social Security account, Social Security offers phone support for account setup. Choose whichever method feels most comfortable — the information you provide is the same either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am still working?

Yes. You can work and still explore for SSDI. However, your earnings may affect whether you are found disabled. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024, though this amount changes yearly), Social Security may determine that you are able to work and deny your claim. The exact limit depends on your situation, so ask Social Security about your specific earnings.

What if I do not have a my Social Security account?

You can create one for free at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security. If you have trouble, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you set it up or take your process over the phone instead.

Do I need to submit medical records with my process?

No. Social Security will contact your doctors and hospitals directly after you explore. You do not need to gather records yourself. However, if you have recent test results or a letter from your doctor describing your condition, you can upload them to your online process — it may speed up the process.

What if my condition got worse after I applied?

Tell Social Security when ready. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or log into your my Social Security account and send a message. New medical evidence can be added to your file at any point during the review process, including after you have been denied and are appealing.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

Your monthly payment is based on your lifetime earnings record, not on how severe your condition is. The average payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but yours could be higher or lower depending on how much you earned while working. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.