You can start your SSDI process on Social Security's website without visiting an office
Social Security lets you begin a disability claim through their website at ssa.gov. You create an account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and submit the form online. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready. You do not need to print anything or mail it in — Social Security receives it directly.
Starting online does not mean your entire case stays online. After you submit, a Social Security examiner will contact you by phone or mail to ask follow-up questions and request medical records. But the first step — getting your claim into the system — happens from your computer or phone.
Key Takeaways
- You start at ssa.gov/applyfordisability and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one.
- The online form asks about your condition, when it started, which doctors treat you, and your work history for the past 15 years.
- You can save your process and come back to it later if you do not finish in one sitting.
- After you submit, Social Security will contact you to verify information and ask for medical records from your doctors.
- Submitting online does not speed up the decision, but it does put your claim date on record the day you file.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you open the process. Having them ready means you will not have to stop halfway through and come back later.
You need your Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information. You also need the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you in the past 15 years — even if you only saw them once. If you do not remember exact addresses, you can look them up later, but having them now speeds things up.
Write down the dates you stopped working or reduced your hours due to your condition. If you are still working, note how many hours per week and what you earn. Social Security also asks about any work you did before your condition started, so a brief list of past jobs and the years you held them is helpful.
Creating your my Social Security account
You need a my Social Security account to file online. If you already have one, you can skip this step and go straight to the process.
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button. You will enter your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Social Security will send you a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder. Once you verify your email, your account is active.
If you already have a my Social Security account but forgot your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page. Social Security will send you a reset link to your email. You do not need to create a new account.
Walking through the online form
After you log in, select "explore for Disability" or "explore for SSI" depending on which program you are filing for. The form is divided into sections, and you can see your progress at the top of the page.
The first section asks about your condition: what is wrong, when did it start, and which body parts or body systems does it affect. Be as specific as you can. Instead of "back pain," write "lower back pain from a herniated disc" if that is your diagnosis. Social Security uses these details to request the right medical records.
The next section asks about your doctors and treatment. List every provider who has treated your condition, including their name, address, phone number, and the dates you saw them. If you have seen a specialist — a rheumatologist, cardiologist, or psychiatrist — include them. Social Security will contact these providers directly to get your medical records, so accuracy here matters.
You will also answer questions about your work history. List your jobs from the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, dates you worked there, and what you did. If you are still working, describe your current job and how many hours per week you work. If your condition prevents you from working at all, say that clearly.
Saving and submitting your process
You can save your process at any point and come back to it later. A "Save and Continue Later" button appears on each page. Your answers stay saved for 60 days, so you have time to gather information you do not have right now.
When you have answered all the required questions, you will see a review page. Read through your answers to catch any typos or missing information. If you need to change something, you can go back to that section and edit it.
Once you are satisfied, click "Submit process." You will see a confirmation page with a receipt number. Write down this number or take a screenshot — you will need it if you contact Social Security about your case later. Social Security also sends a confirmation email to the address on your account.
What happens after you submit
Your claim date is the day you submit the form online. This matters because it determines when your benefits would start if you are found to have a disability.
Within a few days to a few weeks, Social Security will contact you by phone or mail. They may ask follow-up questions about your condition, your work, or your medical treatment. They will also ask you to sign a form authorizing them to get your medical records from your doctors. You do not have to do anything else — just answer their questions and sign the form when it arrives.
Social Security then requests your medical records from each provider you listed. This can take several weeks because doctors' offices are often slow to respond. Once Social Security has your records, a disability examiner reviews everything and makes a decision. The whole process usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.
If you cannot file online
The online process works for most people, but some situations require a phone call or office visit. If you are filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and you have very little income or resources, Social Security may ask you to come in person to verify your financial situation. If you are homeless or do not have a mailing address, you may also need to call or visit an office.
You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether you can file online or whether you need to come in. They can also help you start the process over the phone if that works better for you. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.
If you prefer to file in person, you can visit your local Social Security office. Go to ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, or some offices let you schedule an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file online if I do not have a computer?
You can use a computer at a library, a friend's house, or a Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to help you file over the phone. They will ask the same questions as the online form and submit your process for you.
What if I do not remember the exact dates I saw my doctors?
Write down the information you do remember — the doctor's name, city, and roughly when you saw them. You can save your process and come back to add exact dates later, or Social Security can help you track down the records when they contact you after you submit.
Do I have to answer every question on the form?
The form will not let you submit until you answer all the required questions, which are marked with an asterisk. If a question does not explore to you, you can usually leave it blank or select "not applicable." If you are stuck on a question, you can call Social Security for help.
Can I change my process after I submit it?
You cannot edit the form after submission, but you can contact Social Security to correct information. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Tell them your receipt number and what you need to change. They will update your file.
How do I know if my process was received?
You will see a confirmation page with a receipt number right after you submit. Social Security also sends a confirmation email to your account email address. Keep the receipt number — you will need it if you call about your case or if you want to check the status later.