What Forms You'll Submit to the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration uses two main forms to start an SSDI claim. The first is Form SSA-3368, called the "Disability Report – Adult." The second is Form SSA-827, the "Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration." You will also fill out Form SSA-8 if you have worked recently, which documents your work history and earnings.

You do not need to obtain these forms yourself before you contact Social Security. When you call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to start your claim, a representative will either mail you the forms or walk you through them during an interview. If you prefer to begin online, you can start at ssa.gov/benefits/disability, and the system will guide you through the questions that correspond to these forms without requiring you to print or mail paper documents.

The forms ask for the same core information regardless of how you submit them: your medical history, the date your condition began, the doctors and hospitals you have visited, your work history, and your household income. The difference is whether you answer on paper, over the phone, or through the online portal.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SSA-3368 (Disability Report – Adult) is the main form that describes your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.
  • Form SSA-827 authorizes Social Security to request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals.
  • Form SSA-8 documents your work history and earnings if you have worked in the past 15 years.
  • You can submit these forms online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office — you do not need to print them yourself to start.
  • Social Security will request additional medical forms from your doctors if your case moves forward, but you do not submit those yourself.

Form SSA-3368: The Disability Report – Adult

This is the longest and most important form you will complete. It asks you to describe your medical condition, when it started, which doctors have treated you, what medications you take, and how your condition prevents you from working. It also asks about your daily activities — whether you can lift, walk, sit for long periods, concentrate, or remember instructions. Be specific about what you cannot do, not just what the diagnosis is.

The form includes sections for your work history over the past 15 years, including job titles, employers, dates, and the type of work you did. Social Security uses this to understand what kind of work you have done and whether your condition prevents you from doing that work or any other work. If you have not worked, you still complete this section — you straightforward note that you have not worked.

You will also list all the medical providers who have treated you: doctors' names, addresses, phone numbers, and the dates you saw them. This list is crucial because Social Security will contact these providers to request your medical records. If you leave out a provider or get the address wrong, Social Security may not receive the records it needs, which can delay your case.

Form SSA-827: Authorization to Release Medical Records

This form gives Social Security permission to contact your doctors, hospitals, therapists, and other medical providers and request your records. Without this signed authorization, providers are not legally allowed to send your records to Social Security, even if you want them to.

You will sign this form as part of your initial claim. It is a one-time authorization that covers all the providers you list on your Disability Report. If you see a new doctor after you submit your claim, you can contact Social Security and provide that provider's information, and Social Security will request records from them as well.

Form SSA-8: Statement Regarding Your Work Activity

If you have worked at any point in the past 15 years, you will complete this form. It asks for the name of each employer, the dates you worked there, your job title, the type of work you did, and how much you earned. You can find your earnings history on your Social Security statement, which you can view online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have created an account.

This form helps Social Security understand your recent work history and whether you have been working while claiming a disability. If you are currently working, Social Security will evaluate whether your earnings and the nature of your work affect your claim. If you stopped working because of your condition, the form documents when that happened.

How to Submit Your Forms

You have three ways to submit these forms: online, by phone, or in person. The online method is the fastest. You can start at ssa.gov/benefits/disability and create or log into your my Social Security account. The online process walks you through the questions step by step and saves your progress if you need to stop and return later.

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a representative will take your information over the phone and fill out the forms for you. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. To find the nearest office, use the office locator at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in appointments are available, but you may wait several hours. Scheduling an appointment in advance is faster.

If you submit by mail, you must request the forms first by calling Social Security or visiting an office. Do not guess at the form numbers or read versions from other websites — use only the official forms Social Security provides. Mail your completed forms to the address Social Security provides with the forms, not to a general Social Security address.

What Information You Must Have Before You Start

Gather these items before you begin your process, whether online, by phone, or in person. You will need your Social Security number, birth date, and current address. Have a list of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and therapists you have seen in the past few years, including their names, addresses, and phone numbers. If you do not have exact addresses, you can provide the city and state, and Social Security will locate them.

Collect information about your work history: employer names, dates you worked, job titles, and how much you earned. Your Social Security statement has your earnings history, so pull that up before you start. If you are currently taking medications, have the names and dosages ready. If you have had surgery, hospitalizations, or major medical events, write down the dates and the names of the facilities where they occurred.

You do not need to have your medical records in hand before you start. Social Security will request those from your providers using the authorization form. However, if you have recent test results, imaging reports, or letters from your doctors describing your condition, having those available can speed up the process — you can mention them during your interview or upload them if you are using the online system.

What Happens After You Submit Your Forms

Once Social Security receives your completed forms, it will send a request to each medical provider you listed, asking for your records. This process usually takes two to four weeks. While Social Security is gathering your records, you may receive a letter asking for additional information or clarification about something you wrote on your forms. Respond to these requests promptly — delays in responding can slow your case.

Social Security will also contact your doctors directly if it needs more detail about your condition or how it affects your ability to work. You do not submit these follow-up forms yourself; Social Security handles that communication. However, if your doctor's office calls you asking about your claim, you can authorize them to speak with Social Security directly by signing a release form they provide.

After Social Security has gathered all your medical records and reviewed your forms, it will make a decision. This usually takes three to six months from the date you submit your forms, though some cases take longer if additional medical evidence is needed. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining the decision. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my forms online if I do not have a computer?

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and complete your process over the phone with a representative, or visit your local Social Security office. Both methods are free and do not require you to own a computer or have internet access.

What if I do not remember the exact address of my doctor's office?

Provide the city and state where the office is located, along with the doctor's name and phone number if you have it. Social Security has tools to locate medical providers, and it will find the correct address. If it cannot, it will contact you and ask for more information.

Do I need to print the forms myself?

No. If you explore online, you do not print anything — you fill out the form on the website. If you explore by phone or in person, Social Security provides the forms and either fills them out with you or mails them to you. Never read forms from websites other than ssa.gov.

What if I make a mistake on my forms after I submit them?

Contact Social Security and let them know. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Social Security can correct straightforward errors like misspelled names or wrong phone numbers. If you need to change information about your medical condition or work history, you may need to submit a new statement or form.

Can someone else fill out the forms for me?

Yes. A family member, friend, lawyer, or advocate can help you complete your forms or submit them on your behalf. If someone else submits your forms, Social Security will still contact you to verify the information. If you use a lawyer or representative, you will need to sign a form authorizing them to represent you.