The First Step: Decide Which Program Fits Your Situation
Social Security runs two disability programs, and which one you contact depends on your work history. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with little or no work history, or very low income and resources right now. You cannot explore for both at the same time, but if you start with one and do not meet the rules, Social Security will ask whether you want to be considered for the other.
If you have worked at least five of the last ten years, SSDI is your path. If you have never worked much, or stopped working years ago and have almost no savings, SSI is more likely to work. If you are unsure, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them your work history; they will tell you which program to pursue.
Key Takeaways
- You start a disability claim by contacting Social Security directly—by phone, online, or in person at a local office—and telling them you cannot work because of a medical condition.
- SSDI requires a work history of at least five of the last ten years; SSI does not, but has strict limits on income and savings.
- Social Security will ask for your medical records, work history, and details about your daily life; gathering these before you call speeds up the process.
- The initial decision usually takes three to five months, but many claims are denied on the first try, and the appeal process can take one to two years.
- You can start a claim online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by walking into your local Social Security office.
How to Contact Social Security and Start Your Claim
You have three ways to begin: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up; you can start the process and come back to it later. The phone line has wait times, especially early in the morning, but a representative will walk you through the whole form in one call. In-person appointments at your local office take longer to schedule but let you hand over documents on the spot.
Whichever method you choose, have ready: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of doctors and hospitals that have treated you. You do not need to have all your medical records in hand before you call—Social Security will request them directly from your providers—but knowing the names and dates of treatment speeds things up.
What Information Social Security Will Ask For
Social Security needs three categories of information: your medical history, your work history, and how your condition affects your daily life. For medical history, they will ask when your condition started, which doctors have treated you, what medications you take, and whether you have had surgery or hospital stays. Be specific about dates; "a few years ago" is not useful, but "March 2022" is.
For work history, they will ask about every job you have held in the last 15 years—employer name, dates you worked, and what you did. They will also ask whether you have tried to work since your condition started, and if so, why you stopped. For daily life, they want to know what you cannot do: can you sit for long periods, lift objects, concentrate, remember things, or get along with coworkers. Describe what a typical day looks like for you now, and compare it to before you became ill or injured.
Social Security will also ask about your income and resources (savings, property, vehicles). For SSDI, this does not affect whether you are approved, but for SSI it does—SSI has strict limits on how much money and property you can own.
The Medical Evidence Social Security Needs
Social Security does not take your word that you cannot work; they need medical records from your doctors. After you file, Social Security will send forms to your treating physicians asking them to describe your condition, test results, and functional limitations. This process usually takes four to eight weeks. If your doctors are slow to respond, you can speed it up by calling their offices yourself and asking them to send the records directly to Social Security.
You can also submit medical records yourself when you file or shortly after. Bring recent test results, imaging reports, hospital discharge summaries, and notes from your doctors. Do not submit every piece of paper you have—focus on records from the last year or two that show the severity of your condition. Social Security will request older records if they need them.
If you do not have a regular doctor, or have not seen one in a long time, see one before you file. Social Security needs current medical evidence, not just your description of symptoms. If cost is a barrier, look for a community health center or free clinic in your area; they can provide the documentation you need.
Timeline From Filing to Initial Decision
After you file, Social Security sends your claim to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). DDS reviews your medical records and work history and makes the initial decision. This usually takes three to five months, though it can take longer if your medical records are hard to get or if your case is complex.
You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved or denied. If approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If denied, the letter will explain why and tell you that you have 60 days to file an appeal. Do not wait—if you think the decision was wrong, file the appeal within that window, even if you are still gathering more medical evidence.
| Stage | What Happens | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| You file your claim | You contact Social Security and provide work and medical history | Same day or within a few days |
| Social Security requests medical records | Forms are sent to your doctors; they send records back to Social Security | 4 to 8 weeks |
| DDS reviews your file | A state agency examines your medical evidence and work history | 3 to 5 months total from filing |
| Initial decision letter arrives | You receive approval or denial in the mail | By month 5 or 6 |
| Appeal window opens (if denied) | You have 60 days to request reconsideration or appeal | Days 1 to 60 after denial letter |
What Happens If You Are Denied
Most first-time claims are denied. This does not mean you are ineligible—it usually means Social Security needs more or better medical evidence. The denial letter will say why you were denied: perhaps your condition is not severe enough, or the medical records do not show you cannot work, or your condition is expected to improve.
You have three appeal options. Reconsideration means a different examiner at DDS reviews your file, usually with new medical evidence you submit. Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) means you get a hearing where you and your doctor can testify about why you cannot work; this is the most common path to approval for denied claims. Appeals Council review is a third level, used only if the ALJ denies you. Each level takes time—reconsideration takes two to three months, a hearing can take one to two years depending on your area, and Appeals Council review takes several months more.
If you are denied and want to appeal, file within 60 days of the denial letter. You can request reconsideration, or you can skip it and request a hearing directly; skipping reconsideration does not hurt your chances, and a hearing is where most approvals happen anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my claim is being decided?
Yes. For SSDI, you can work and earn money while your claim is pending; it will not affect your approval chances. For SSI, working can affect your monthly payment amount because SSI counts income, but it will not disqualify you from the program. Once you are approved, both programs have rules about how much you can earn without losing benefits, but that is separate from the process process.
Do I need a lawyer to file a disability claim?
No. You can file on your own and many people do. A lawyer or representative can help you gather medical evidence and prepare for a hearing, and they are most useful if your claim is denied and you are appealing. If you hire a representative, Social Security limits what they can charge—usually 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum amount set by law.
What if I do not have medical records from my doctor?
Contact your doctor's office and ask them to send records to Social Security. If your doctor has retired or closed their practice, ask for records to be transferred to your current doctor, or request them from the hospital where you were treated. If you have no medical records at all, see a doctor before you file—Social Security needs current medical evidence to approve your claim.
Can I file for disability if I am still working?
Yes, but Social Security will look closely at what you are earning and what kind of work you are doing. If you are working full-time and earning a substantial income, Social Security may conclude you are able to work and deny your claim. If you are working part-time or earning very little, or if you are working but your condition is getting worse, file anyway and explain the situation in detail.
What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?
Tell Social Security when ready. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to update your claim with new medical evidence. New test results, hospitalizations, or changes in your treatment can strengthen your case, especially if you are waiting for a hearing.