You can file for SSDI or SSI online through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person — online is usually fastest if you have your documents ready

Social Security lets you start a disability claim on ssa.gov without leaving home. The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information in front of you, and you can save your work and come back later. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment. The system walks you through each question and tells you what documents to upload or mail in afterward.

Online filing does not speed up the decision itself — that still takes three to six months on average — but it gets your claim into the queue when ready and avoids the wait to see someone in person at a local office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to file by phone with a representative, or walk into your nearest Social Security office to file in person. All three routes lead to the same review process.

Key Takeaways

  • The online process at ssa.gov is the fastest way to start your claim and takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records from your doctors.
  • You can save your process halfway through and return to finish it later — Social Security will hold your spot for 60 days.
  • Filing online does not speed up the decision, which takes three to six months on average, but it gets your claim submitted when ready.
  • If you cannot file online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office to file by phone or in person.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you open the process. Having them ready means you will not have to stop halfway through and hunt for information.

Personal identification: Your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. If you are filing for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) instead of SSDI, you will also need to report your income, assets, and living situation.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card. If you do not have the original, a certified copy from the issuing agency works. Social Security will ask you to upload an image or mail the document in.

Medical records: Names and phone numbers of the doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated your condition. You do not need to upload the actual records during the process — Social Security will request them from your providers after you file. But having the contact information ready speeds things up. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or specialist letters, you can upload those too.

Work history: The names of employers and dates you worked for the past 15 years. This helps Social Security calculate your insured status (whether you have worked long enough to be covered by SSDI).

How to File on ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and select "explore for Disability Benefits." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. This account lets you check the status of your claim later.

The process asks you to choose whether you are filing for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance, based on your own work record or a parent's) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income, a needs-based program). If you are not sure which one you may have access to for, Social Security will help you figure it out as you answer the questions.

Work through each section in order: personal information, medical condition, work history, and living situation. The form saves automatically as you type. If you need to stop, close the browser and log back in to your my Social Security account — your answers will still be there. Social Security holds incomplete applications for 60 days before deleting them.

At the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully, then submit. You will get a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down the confirmation number — you will need it if you call Social Security to check on your claim.

Uploading Documents and What Happens Next

After you submit, the process tells you which documents to send in. You can upload images of documents directly through your my Social Security account, or you can mail them to the address Social Security provides. Uploading is faster — documents arrive when ready instead of taking a week or two in the mail.

To upload, log into your my Social Security account, go to your process, and follow the "Upload Documents" link. Take clear photos or scans of both sides of each document. The system accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. If a document is more than 10 pages, split it into smaller files.

Social Security will also request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals. You do not have to do this yourself, but it can take weeks for providers to respond. If you have recent records at home, uploading them speeds up the review.

Once Social Security has your process and documents, a claims examiner will review your case. You may be asked to go to a medical exam paid for by Social Security, or to answer follow-up questions. The decision usually comes in three to six months, though some cases take longer if more information is needed.

Filing by Phone or in Person if You Cannot Use the Website

If you do not have internet access or prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative will file your claim over the phone. This takes about 30 minutes. You will still need to mail or upload documents afterward, but the representative will tell you exactly what to send.

Wait times to reach a representative vary by time of day and season. Early morning and mid-week calls usually have shorter waits. You can also schedule a callback so you do not have to hold.

To file in person, find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment — many offices now require one. Bring the same documents you would upload online. A representative will fill out the process with you and submit it that day.

What Happens if Your process is Denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You do not have to file a new process — you can request reconsideration, which means a different examiner reviews your case. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where many people win their cases, especially if you have new medical evidence or a lawyer representing you. The hearing request must be filed within 60 days of the reconsideration denial.

You can represent yourself at a hearing, but many people hire a disability lawyer or non-lawyer representative. They are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability started).

Tracking Your Claim After You File

Log into your my Social Security account anytime to check the status of your process. The account shows whether Social Security is still reviewing your case, whether they have requested documents from your doctors, and whether a decision has been made.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give the representative your confirmation number. They will tell you where your case stands and what documents are still needed.

Social Security will contact you by mail if they need more information or want to schedule a medical exam. Check your mail regularly. If you miss a important date or do not show up for an exam, Social Security may close your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can work and file for SSDI at the same time. Social Security will review your case based on your medical condition, not your current income. However, if you are earning more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may assume you are not disabled and deny your claim. The amount changes yearly.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or proof of citizenship?

You can still start your process online. Social Security will tell you which documents they will accept as proof — this includes passports, naturalization papers, or state ID cards. If you do not have any of these, contact your state vital records office or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to request copies.

How long does it take to get a decision after I file online?

Most decisions take three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs medical records from multiple providers or wants you to have a medical exam. You can check your status anytime in your my Social Security account.

Do I need a lawyer to file online?

No. You can file on your own without a lawyer. A lawyer can help if your claim is denied and you decide to appeal, but you do not need one to submit your initial process.

What if I start my process online but want to finish it by phone?

You can call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you started an process online. They can pull up your saved answers and help you finish it over the phone. You do not have to start over.