What you need to do to file

To file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability, you have three options: explore online at ssa.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security office in person. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return to it later. If you call or visit an office, a representative will walk you through the questions and submit the process for you.

Before you start, gather documents that show your identity, age, and citizenship or legal residency status. You will also need your medical records and the names and dates of treatment from doctors, hospitals, or clinics where you have been seen for your condition. Have your work history ready, including the names of employers and the years you worked for each one. If you are explore for SSI, you will need to provide information about your income, resources, and living situation as well.

The process itself asks about your medical condition, when it started, how it affects your ability to work, and what treatment you have received. Be as specific as you can about your symptoms and limitations. Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request medical records, so you do not have to collect them yourself, though providing them upfront can speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records information ready before you start.
  • The process asks about your medical condition, when it started, your work history, and how your condition limits your ability to work.
  • Social Security will request medical records directly from your doctors, so you do not need to collect them yourself.
  • After you file, you will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your process was received and telling you what happens next.

Filing online versus by phone or in person

Filing online at ssa.gov is usually the fastest route. You create an account, answer the questions at your own pace, and can save your work and come back to it. The system shows you which sections you have completed and which ones still need information. Once you submit, you get a confirmation number when ready and can check the status of your process anytime by logging back into your account.

Calling 1-800-772-1213 works well if you have questions while you are filling out the process or if you prefer to talk through your situation with someone. Wait times vary by time of day and season, but calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter holds. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit the process on your behalf. You will still receive a confirmation notice in the mail.

Visiting your local Social Security office in person is an option if you need help understanding the questions, have complex medical or work history, or do not have internet access. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring all your documents with you so the representative can review them while you are there. Office visits can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Documents and information you will need

Start by gathering proof of who you are. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. You will also need your Social Security number, which is on your Social Security card. If you do not have a card, you can order a replacement online at ssa.gov or by visiting an office.

Next, collect information about your medical condition. Write down the names of all doctors, therapists, hospitals, or clinics you have seen for your condition, along with the dates you were treated there. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or letters from your doctors describing your condition, keep those handy. You do not have to submit them with your process—Social Security will request them from your providers—but having them available helps you answer questions accurately about your treatment.

Prepare a list of your work history going back as far as you can remember, especially the last 15 years. For each job, note the employer name, the years you worked there, and what your job duties were. If you are self-employed or have had irregular work, write down what you did and roughly how much you earned in recent years. Social Security uses this information to determine whether you have worked enough to be covered by SSDI.

If you are explore for SSI instead of or in addition to SSDI, you will also need to report your current income (wages, benefits, support from family members), the value of resources you own (bank accounts, vehicles, property), and details about where you live and who you live with.

What happens after you file

Within one to two weeks of filing, you will receive a notice in the mail confirming that Social Security received your process. The notice includes a case number and tells you what to do next. Keep this notice in a safe place—you will need the case number if you call to check on your process or if you need to provide information later.

Social Security will then request medical records from the doctors and facilities you listed. This process usually takes two to four weeks. While they are gathering records, you may receive a letter asking you to provide additional information or to attend a consultative exam—a medical appointment that Social Security arranges and pays for to gather more information about your condition.

The entire review process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if Social Security needs more medical evidence. You can check the status of your process online if you filed online, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and providing your case number. Social Security will send you a decision notice in the mail once a information has been made.

If your process is denied

If Social Security denies your process, the decision notice will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to ask for reconsideration, which means Social Security will review your case again with any new medical evidence you can provide.

At the reconsideration stage, you can submit additional medical records, letters from your doctors, or other evidence that was not available when you first applied. Many people gather more recent medical records or get a detailed letter from their doctor describing their condition and limitations during this time. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is a more formal process where you can present your case in detail.

Working with a representative

You do not need a lawyer or representative to file for SSDI or SSI, but some people find it helpful to have one, especially if their case is complex or if they have already been denied once. A representative can be a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a disability advocate from a local organization. They can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf.

If you work with a representative, they must be approved by Social Security. You sign a form called an "Authorization to Represent" (Form SSA-1696) that gives them permission to act on your behalf. The representative's fee is limited by law—they can charge a maximum of 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed to you from the date you became disabled to the date you are approved), up to a current limit of $7,200. This amount changes each year. The representative cannot charge you anything upfront or if you are denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you do not have enough work history to may have access to for SSDI but you have limited income and resources, you may be able to receive SSI. You can file for both programs in a single process, and Social Security will evaluate you for each one separately. Some people receive both benefits at the same time.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect them yourself. When you file, you list the doctors and facilities where you have been treated, and Social Security requests the records directly from them. If a provider is slow to respond, you can call Social Security and ask them to follow up. Having recent records available when you file can help speed things up, but missing records will not prevent you from explore.

Can I file if I am still working?

Yes, you can file while you are working. However, SSDI requires that you be unable to work due to your condition. If you are working and earning more than a certain amount (called substantial gainful activity), Social Security may determine that you are not disabled. The earnings limit changes each year, so ask Social Security what the current limit is when you file.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most decisions take three to six months from the date you file. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence or if your condition is complex. You can check the status of your process by logging into your online account or by calling 1-800-772-1213 with your case number.

What if I move or change my phone number?

Contact Social Security right away to update your address and phone number. You can do this online if you have a my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local office. Keeping your contact information current ensures you receive all notices and decision letters from Social Security.