What Happens When You File for Disability
When you file for disability with Social Security, you are asking the government to recognize that a medical condition prevents you from working and to send you monthly payments. Social Security handles two separate disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on your own work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need. The program you file under depends on whether you have paid enough into Social Security through work.
The filing process itself is straightforward—you submit medical records, work history, and personal information to Social Security. What takes time is the medical review that follows. A disability examiner and a doctor will look at your records to decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This review typically takes three to five months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence from your doctors.
You can file online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Filing online is usually fastest because you can work at your own pace and save your progress. You do not need a lawyer to file, though some people hire one to help with the medical evidence or to represent them if the claim is denied.
Key Takeaways
- You can file for SSDI if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, or for SSI if you have limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
- File online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office; online filing is usually the fastest route.
- You will need recent medical records from your doctors, a list of all medications and treatments, your work history for the past 15 years, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
- Social Security will ask a disability examiner and a doctor to review your medical records; this review typically takes three to five months.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you can file an appeal within 60 days; most people who appeal receive a hearing before a judge.
Deciding Between SSDI and SSI
SSDI is for people who have worked long enough and paid enough into Social Security. The amount you receive is based on your own earnings record, not on how much money you have in the bank. There is no limit to how much you can own or earn from other sources once you are approved, though if you work while receiving SSDI, your benefits may be reduced if you earn above a certain amount. You do not have to be poor to receive SSDI.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources—typically less than $2,000 in savings or other assets, though this amount varies slightly by state. SSI is needs-based, meaning Social Security looks at how much money you have coming in each month. If you receive SSI, you cannot own more than the resource limit, and your monthly benefit amount depends on your income. SSI also includes Medicaid coverage in most states, while SSDI leads to Medicare coverage after you have received benefits for two years.
You can file for both programs at the same time if you do not have enough work history for SSDI but have limited income. Social Security will review both claims and pay you under whichever program you may have access to for. If you are unsure which program fits your situation, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to explain the difference based on your work history and current income.
Documents You Need Before You File
Gather these documents before you start your claim. Having them ready will speed up the filing process and reduce the chance that Social Security asks you to send more information later.
| Document Type | What Social Security Needs |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for your condition in the past three to five years. Include test results, imaging reports, and treatment notes. |
| Medications and treatments | A list of all medications you take, the dosages, and how often you take them. Also list any surgeries, therapy, or other treatments you have had. |
| Work history | A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. |
| Proof of identity | A driver's license, passport, or state ID card. |
| Proof of citizenship or legal residency | A birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or green card. |
| Social Security number | Your own Social Security number and the numbers of any family members you are filing for. |
| Bank account information (SSI only) | Routing number and account number if you want benefits deposited directly to your bank. |
You do not need to have all of these documents in hand before you file. You can start your claim online or by phone and send medical records to Social Security later. However, the sooner you send complete medical records, the sooner the disability examiner can make a decision.
Filing Online, by Phone, or In Person
Filing online at ssa.gov is the fastest method. Go to the Social Security website, click "explore for Disability," and follow the form. You can save your progress and come back later if you need to gather more information. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete if you have your documents ready. After you submit, Social Security will send you a confirmation number and tell you what to do next.
Filing by phone takes about 30 minutes. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will create your claim in the system. Ask the representative for a confirmation number and write it down. You will still need to send medical records to Social Security after the phone call.
Filing in person at your local Social Security office is an option if you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face. Call ahead to make an appointment; walk-ins are possible but you may wait several hours. Bring all your documents with you. The office staff will help you fill out the form and can answer questions about what happens next. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.
What Happens After You File
After you submit your claim, Social Security sends it to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. This office employs disability examiners who gather your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. The examiner and a consulting doctor review all the records to decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability—meaning it prevents you from doing any substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
During this review, Social Security may contact your doctors to ask for more details about your condition, treatment, and how it affects your ability to work. Your doctors may be asked to fill out a form called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment, which describes what physical and mental tasks you can still do. This process usually takes three to five months, but can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if Social Security needs to order new medical tests.
You will receive a written decision in the mail. The letter will say whether you were approved or denied, explain the reason, and tell you what to do if you disagree. Keep this letter—you will need it if you file an appeal or if you need to prove your disability status to another agency.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You must file your appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before a judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who appeal receive a hearing before an administrative law judge, where you can present new medical evidence and explain why you believe you are disabled.
Many people hire a disability lawyer to help with an appeal because the process becomes more formal and a judge will make the final decision. A lawyer can review your medical records, identify gaps in the evidence, and help you prepare for the hearing. Lawyers are paid only if you win—they receive a percentage of your back pay, up to a maximum set by Social Security.
You do not have to hire a lawyer to appeal. You can represent yourself, and many people do. However, having legal help increases your chances of winning, especially at the hearing stage. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask Social Security for a list of legal aid organizations in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for disability if I am still working?
Yes. You can work and file for disability at the same time. However, if you are earning more than a certain amount per month (called "substantial gainful activity"), Social Security may deny your claim because the earnings suggest you are able to work. The earnings limit changes each year; in 2024 it is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn less than this amount, you can still file.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Most initial claims take three to five months from the date you file. Some take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or if your case is complex. You can check the status of your claim online at ssa.gov by logging into your account, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
No. You can file on your own without a lawyer. However, if your claim is denied and you file an appeal, a lawyer can help you gather medical evidence and prepare for a hearing before a judge. Most disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win.
What if I do not have complete medical records?
You can still file. Start your claim with the medical records you have, and Social Security will request additional records from your doctors. However, the sooner you send complete records, the sooner Social Security can make a decision. You can send records by mail, fax, or through your online account.
Can I file for someone else, like a family member?
No. Each person must file their own claim. However, if you are filing for a child, you will complete the form as the parent or guardian. If someone is unable to manage their own claim due to a mental condition, you can ask to be their representative payee, which allows you to receive and manage their benefits on their behalf.