What you need to do to explore for SSDI

You can start an SSDI process in three ways: online through Social Security's website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest — you can begin when ready and save your progress to finish later. By phone, a representative will walk you through the questions and submit the form for you. In person, staff will help you complete the process on the spot.

The actual form is called the process for Disability Insurance Benefits (Form SSA-16). Whether you explore online, by phone, or in person, you're filling out the same questions. The difference is just how and where you do it. Online applications typically take 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. Phone and in-person applications usually take 30 to 45 minutes because the representative reads each question aloud.

You do not need a lawyer or paid service to explore. Social Security staff will not charge you to help. If you later hire a representative to help with appeals or ongoing case work, they can charge a fee only after Social Security approves it — and only if you win your case.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online, by phone, or in person, and all three routes use the same official form.
  • Have your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, tax returns or W-2s from the past two years, and medical records ready before you start.
  • Online applications save your progress so you can stop and come back, while phone and in-person applications are completed in one session.
  • Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request your medical records — you do not have to collect them yourself.
  • After you submit, you will receive a confirmation letter with a case number; keep this number for all future contact with Social Security.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin your process. You will not submit them with the form, but you will need to reference information from them as you answer questions.

Proof of age: Your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. Social Security needs to verify your date of birth.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the U.S., you will need to show one of these documents.

Work history and earnings: Tax returns or W-2 forms from the past two years. If you are self-employed, bring your tax returns. Social Security uses this to confirm you have worked long enough to be covered by the program.

Medical records and doctor contact information: You do not need to collect these yourself. During your process, you will list the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for your condition. Social Security will request the records directly from them. However, having a list of your providers ready speeds up the process.

Medications and treatment dates: A list of current medications and the dates you started them, plus dates of any surgeries, hospitalizations, or major treatments. You can write this down or just have it in your head — you will type or say it during the process.

explore online through Social Security's website

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and select "explore for Disability." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This requires an email address and a password. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.

Once logged in, you will answer questions about your personal information, work history, medical condition, and daily activities. The form is divided into sections, and you can save your progress at the end of each section. If you close your browser or step away, you can log back in and pick up where you left off — your answers are saved for 60 days.

The online form asks you to list all doctors and medical providers who have treated you. You will enter their names, addresses, phone numbers, and the dates you saw them. Social Security will contact them to request your medical records. You do not upload documents yourself.

When you finish all sections, review your answers and submit. You will when ready receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. Social Security will also mail you a confirmation letter within two weeks with your case number.

explore by phone

Call Social Security's disability hotline at 1-800-772-1213. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter hold. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form, one by one, and will fill in your answers as you speak.

The call typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about dates, addresses, and medical providers without having to search. The representative will read back key information to confirm it is correct before submitting.

At the end of the call, the representative will give you a confirmation number verbally. Ask them to repeat it and write it down. They will mail you a confirmation letter with your case number within two weeks.

explore in person at your local Social Security office

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in during business hours, but wait times are often long. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling ahead means you will be seen at a specific time rather than waiting in line.

Bring the documents listed above, or at least the information from them. A staff member will sit with you and complete the process form together. They will ask the same questions as the online and phone versions. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Before you leave, ask for a confirmation number and write it down. The office will mail you a confirmation letter with your case number within two weeks. Keep this letter — you will need the case number for any future calls or visits about your case.

What happens after you submit your process

Within two weeks, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. This letter includes your case number, the date Social Security received your process, and instructions for what to do next. Save this letter and use the case number for all future contact.

Social Security will contact the doctors and providers you listed and request your medical records. This process usually takes four to six weeks. You do not need to follow up — Social Security handles the requests.

Once Social Security has your medical records, a disability examiner will review your case. This review takes several weeks to several months, depending on how complex your case is and how busy the office is. You will not hear anything during this time unless Social Security needs more information from you.

If Social Security needs additional information — such as more recent medical records, clarification about your work history, or details about how your condition affects your daily life — they will contact you by mail or phone. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays in providing information can slow down your case.

If you need help filling out the form

Social Security staff will help you for free. If you call or visit an office, representatives will answer your questions and guide you through each section. If you are explore online and get stuck, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to help you complete the form over the phone instead.

You can also ask a trusted family member or friend to help you gather information and organize your documents before you explore. They can sit with you during the process and help you remember dates and details.

If you hire a representative — such as a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — they can help you prepare your process and represent you if your case is denied and you appeal. Representatives must be approved by Social Security and can only charge a fee if you win your case and Social Security approves the fee amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am still working?

Yes. You can explore while you are working, and Social Security will review your case based on your medical condition and work history. However, if you are earning more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024, and this amount changes yearly), Social Security may determine you are not disabled under their rules. The amount varies by year, so ask Social Security what the current limit is.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use other documents to prove your age and identity, such as a passport, driver's license, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, Social Security can help you figure out what documents you can use instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

Most cases take three to six months from the time you submit your process to the time Social Security makes a decision. Some cases take longer if your medical condition is complex or if Social Security needs to request additional records. You will not hear anything during this waiting period unless Social Security contacts you for more information.

Do I have to explore online, or can I use phone or in-person?

You can choose whichever method works best for you. All three routes use the same form and lead to the same outcome. Online is fastest if you have your documents ready and prefer to work at your own pace. Phone and in-person are better if you want someone to walk you through each question or if you do not have internet access.

What if I made a mistake on my process?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them about the mistake. Provide your case number from your confirmation letter. A representative can correct straightforward errors like a wrong address or phone number. If the mistake is more complex, Social Security may ask you to submit a corrected form.