You can start an SSDI process by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213

Social Security accepts phone applications for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) at their national toll-free number. When you call, a representative will ask you questions about your medical condition, work history, and personal information. They will record your answers and create an process file. You do not need to visit an office in person to begin the process, though Social Security may ask you to send documents or attend a medical exam later.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Call volume is heaviest early in the week and early in the morning, so you may wait on hold. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available at no cost.

Starting by phone does not speed up the decision. The process still goes through the same review process as one filed in person or online. However, a phone process can be useful if you have mobility problems, live far from an office, or prefer to avoid in-person contact.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time to start a phone process.
  • The representative will ask about your disability, work history, medical providers, and family information during the call.
  • You will need to provide documents later — medical records, birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of citizenship — even if you start by phone.
  • A phone process takes the same amount of time to process as any other process; it does not move you ahead in the queue.
  • If you cannot hear well or speak English, Social Security provides TTY service and free interpreters.

What to have ready before you call

Gather documents before dialing so you can answer questions accurately without long pauses. Have your Social Security card, birth certificate, and driver's license or state ID in front of you. You will also need the names and phone numbers of doctors or hospitals that have treated your condition. If you worked recently, have your most recent pay stub and tax return available.

Write down the dates you stopped working or reduced your hours due to your condition. Social Security will ask when your disability began and when you last worked. If you are unsure of exact dates, write down the month and year — you do not need to remember the exact day. If you receive workers' compensation or unemployment benefits, have that information ready as well.

Have a pen and paper nearby to write down your process number and any next steps the representative gives you. The representative will provide a number you can use to check on your process status later.

What the representative will ask during the call

The representative will start with basic information: your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. They will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. They will confirm your Social Security number and ask if you have ever applied for Social Security benefits before.

Next, they will ask about your medical condition. Expect questions like: What is wrong with you? When did it start? What doctors have you seen? What medicines do you take? How does your condition affect your ability to work? Be specific — instead of saying "I have back pain," describe what you cannot do: "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes" or "I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds."

The representative will ask about your work history for the past 15 years. They will want to know your job titles, the companies you worked for, how long you worked at each job, and what your duties were. They will also ask whether you have ever been self-employed or worked without reporting income.

Finally, they will ask about family members who might be may have access to to benefits based on your record — a spouse, children under 19 (or 22 if in school), or a parent over 62 who depends on you.

Documents you must send after the phone call

The representative will tell you which documents to send. At minimum, Social Security will ask for proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), your Social Security card, and a state-issued ID. If you were born outside the United States, you may need to send additional immigration documents.

You will also need to send medical evidence. This includes records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated your condition. Request these records directly from each provider's medical records department. Include any test results, imaging reports, surgery notes, or therapy records. If you have not seen a doctor for your condition, Social Security may schedule you for a consultative exam at no cost to you.

Send documents by mail to the address the representative provides, or ask whether you can upload them through your Social Security account online. Keep copies for your records. Do not send original documents — send copies only.

What happens after you hang up

Social Security will mail you a notice confirming that your process was received. This notice will include your process number and the address where you should send documents. It will also list what documents they need from you. Read this notice carefully and follow the instructions.

You have a important date to send documents — usually 30 days from the date on the notice, though you can ask for more time if you need it. If you miss the important date without requesting an extension, Social Security may close your process and you will have to start over.

After you send documents, Social Security will review your case. If you live in most states, your case goes to a state disability agency called Disability information Services (DDS), which makes the initial decision. This process typically takes 3 to 6 months. You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov using your account, or by calling the same number again.

When a phone process might not work

Some people cannot complete a phone process. If you are unable to communicate clearly by phone due to your disability, you can ask to explore in person at a local Social Security office instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain that you need an in-person appointment. You can also visit your local office without calling first — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary.

If you need someone to help you explore, that person can be on the call with you. This might be a family member, a disability advocate, or a lawyer. Tell the representative at the start of the call that someone else is present and will be helping you answer questions. The representative may ask to speak directly with you to confirm you understand what you are saying.

If English is not your primary language, you can request an interpreter before the call. Call 1-800-772-1213 a few days before you plan to explore and ask to schedule a call with an interpreter. This ensures the interpreter is available at the time you want to explore.

After a decision is made

Social Security will mail you a decision letter. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. Benefits usually start the month after Social Security approves your claim, though there is a five-month waiting period from the date your disability began. If you were denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

If you are approved, you will be enrolled in Medicare automatically after you have received SSDI for 24 months. You will also receive a notice about your Medicare coverage. Keep this notice — you will need it to set up your health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore by phone if I have never worked?

No. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. If you have never worked, you may be able to explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program for people with low income and resources. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about SSI.

What if I do not remember my exact work dates?

Approximate dates are fine. Tell the representative the month and year you started and stopped each job. Social Security can verify employment dates through tax records and employer information. If you are unsure, say so — do not guess.

Do I need a lawyer to explore by phone?

No. You can explore on your own. However, if your case is denied and you request reconsideration or a hearing, a lawyer or advocate familiar with disability law can improve your chances. Many work on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win.

How long does a phone process take to process?

Processing time varies by state, but most initial decisions take 3 to 6 months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence or schedules a consultative exam. You can check your status online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Can I explore by phone if I am already receiving unemployment benefits?

Yes. You can explore for SSDI while receiving unemployment. However, if you are approved for SSDI, your unemployment benefits will stop. Tell Social Security about your unemployment when you explore.