What happens when you explore for SSDI
When you explore for Social Security Disability Insurance, you submit medical evidence and work history to Social Security, which then decides whether your condition prevents you from working. The process takes time — most decisions come back in three to five months, though some cases take longer. You do not need a lawyer to explore, but you will need to gather documents about your medical care and your past jobs.
Social Security has three ways to explore: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is usually fastest because you can save your progress and return to it. The process itself asks about your medical conditions, when they started, the doctors and hospitals treating you, and the jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
Key Takeaways
- You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office — online is usually the quickest option.
- Social Security will ask for the names and dates of your medical providers, a list of your medications, and details about jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
- The decision process typically takes three to five months, and you will receive a written notice explaining whether you were approved or denied.
- If you are denied, you have the right to request reconsideration, and many people are approved on a second or third request.
- You do not need to hire a representative to explore, but a lawyer or advocate can help you gather evidence and appeal if you are denied.
Documents you will need before you start
Gather these items before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency — a passport, naturalization papers, or a green card. Have your driver's license or state ID ready as well.
You will also need a list of all the doctors, clinics, and hospitals that have treated you for your condition, including the dates you saw them. Write down the names of your medications and when you started taking each one. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or letters from your doctors describing your condition, gather those too — you can upload them or bring them to your appointment.
Finally, make a list of every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, the company name, the dates you worked there, and what your main duties were. If you are self-employed, note the type of business and the dates you ran it. Social Security uses this to understand your work history and whether you can do any kind of work now.
explore online at ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" in the main menu. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one — this requires your email address and a password. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.
Once you are logged in, start the process. It walks you through sections on your medical conditions, your doctors, your medications, and your work history. You can save your progress and come back to it later — the process stays open for 60 days. As you fill it out, upload any medical records or test results you have. If you do not have documents yet, you can note that Social Security should request them from your doctors.
When you finish, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will send you a letter in the mail confirming they received your process and telling you what happens next.
explore by phone or in person
If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. A Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your doctors, medications, and jobs.
To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the number above to make an appointment. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your list of doctors and jobs. An employee will fill out the process with you and can answer questions as you go.
What Social Security does after you explore
After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a letter confirming they received it. They will then request medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This can take several weeks. If Social Security needs more information — for example, if a doctor's office does not respond or if they need clarification about your work — they will call or mail you.
A disability examiner reviews your medical evidence and work history. They are looking at whether your condition is severe enough that you cannot do any kind of work, not just your old job. They may send you to a doctor Social Security pays to examine you — this is called a consultative examination, and it is free to you.
You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, the letter tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.
What to do if you are denied
If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days. This means Social Security will review your case again, usually with a different examiner. Many people are approved on reconsideration because they have submitted additional medical evidence or because the second examiner sees the evidence differently.
To request reconsideration, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Ask for a "Request for Reconsideration" form. You can submit new medical records, letters from your doctors, or other evidence that strengthens your case. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge — this is a formal process where you can present your case in front of a judge.
At any stage, you can hire a disability lawyer or non-lawyer representative to help you. They work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win — and their fee is capped by Social Security at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200. Many representatives will review your case for free before you decide to hire them.
Timeline and what to expect
From the day you explore to the day you receive a decision usually takes three to five months. Some cases move faster, and some take longer — it depends on how quickly your doctors respond and whether Social Security needs to send you for an examination. If you request reconsideration, add another two to three months.
During this time, keep copies of everything you submit. Write down the date you applied and your process number. If Social Security calls you, take notes on what they ask and what you tell them. If your condition changes or you have new medical evidence, contact Social Security and let them know — you can submit it even while your case is pending.
If you are approved, your benefits usually start the month after Social Security approves you, though in some cases there is a waiting period. You will receive your first payment by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my SSDI process is being decided?
Yes. Working does not hurt your process. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may question whether your condition truly prevents you from working. Keep records of your earnings and what work you do, because Social Security may ask about it.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No. You can explore on your own and many people do. A lawyer or representative is most helpful if your case is denied and you are appealing, because the appeal process is more formal. If you cannot afford a lawyer, some organizations offer free help — ask your local Social Security office.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
Tell Social Security in your process that you need them to request records from your doctors. Social Security can contact your providers directly. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may send you for a consultative examination at no cost to you.
Can I explore if I am still working?
Yes. Your work history is part of your process, but working now does not disqualify you. Social Security looks at whether your condition prevents you from doing any kind of work, not whether you are currently employed.
What happens if I am approved but disagree with the start date of my benefits?
Contact Social Security and explain your concern. The start date depends on when your condition became disabling and when you applied. Social Security can review this, but the decision is based on medical evidence, not on when you want benefits to start.