Where and how to send your documents
You can send documents to Social Security by mail, in person, or through your online account if you have one. The address depends on which Social Security office handles your case — your local office, the disability processing center in your state, or the Appeals Council if you are appealing a decision. The fastest way is usually to bring documents in person to your local Social Security office, because staff can scan them when ready and add them to your file that day.
If you mail documents, send them to the address on any letter Social Security has sent you about your case. If you do not have a letter, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask for the correct mailing address for your specific case. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and a list of what you are sending so the office knows nothing is missing.
Online accounts through my Social Security (at ssa.gov) let you upload documents directly in some cases, though not all offices accept uploads yet. If you create an account, log in and look for an option to upload medical records or other supporting documents. If you do not see that option, your office may not use the online system for uploads yet, and you will need to mail or deliver documents in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- The address where you send documents depends on your case stage — your local office, your state's processing center, or the Appeals Council — so check your Social Security letter or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the right address.
- Bringing documents in person to your local office is usually fastest because staff can add them to your file the same day.
- If you mail documents, include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and a list of what you are enclosing.
- Some Social Security offices accept document uploads through my Social Security online accounts, but not all do yet.
What documents Social Security needs
Social Security needs medical records that show your condition and how it limits what you can do. This includes doctor's notes, test results, hospital discharge papers, mental health treatment records, and medication lists. They also need records from any specialists you see — a cardiologist, rheumatologist, psychiatrist, or other doctor who treats your condition.
If you are working or have worked recently, send pay stubs and tax returns to show your work history and earnings. If you receive treatment from a clinic or hospital, ask them to send your complete medical file directly to Social Security. Many offices will do this for free if you sign a release form. This is often faster and more complete than gathering copies yourself.
When to send documents during your case
Send medical records as soon as you can after you start your case. Social Security will request records from your doctors, but this takes time — sometimes weeks. If you send them yourself, your case moves faster because the decision-maker has the information sooner.
If your condition changes or you start new treatment after you file, send updated records right away. If you are appealing a decision and have new medical evidence, send it before your hearing date if possible. Tell Social Security in writing that you are sending new documents and explain why they matter to your case.
How to make sure your documents arrive
If you mail documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof they arrived. Keep a copy of everything you send for your own records. Write your name and Social Security number on every page, especially if you are sending multiple documents.
After you send documents, wait about two weeks and then call Social Security to confirm they received them. Have your case number ready. Ask the person who answers to check your file and tell you what documents they have on record. If something is missing, ask where to send it again.
What happens after you send documents
A decision-maker will review the documents you send and use them to decide your case. They may also request additional records from your doctors or hospitals. If they need more information, they will send you a letter asking what they need and when they need it by.
If you are appealing and send new medical evidence, the Appeals Council or an administrative law judge will consider it along with everything else in your file. New evidence can change the outcome, especially if it shows your condition is worse than what was documented before or if it addresses something the original decision said was missing.
Sending documents if you have a representative
If you have a lawyer or non-lawyer representative working on your case, you can send documents to them instead of to Social Security directly. They will add the documents to your file and send them to Social Security on your behalf. Make sure your representative knows you are sending documents so they do not get lost.
Your representative should have a copy of everything in your file and can tell you what documents Social Security already has. If you are unsure whether to send something directly or through your representative, ask them — they know your case and can advise you on the fastest way to get documents into the system.
Documents you should keep copies of
Keep copies of every document you send to Social Security. This includes medical records, pay stubs, tax returns, letters from doctors, and anything else you submit. If Social Security loses something or says they never received it, you will have proof that you sent it.
Also keep copies of any letters Social Security sends you, including the initial decision letter, any requests for more information, and hearing notices. These letters contain important date and case numbers you will need if you have to follow up or appeal. A straightforward folder or binder organized by date makes it straightforward to find what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I email documents to Social Security?
Social Security does not accept documents by email. You must mail them, deliver them in person, or upload them through my Social Security if your office supports uploads. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your local office accepts online uploads.
What if I do not have all my medical records yet?
Send what you have and tell Social Security in writing that more records are coming. Request records from your doctors and hospitals yourself — do not wait for Social Security to do it, because it takes longer. Once you receive additional records, send them right away with a note saying they are new documents for your case.
Do I need to send original documents or are copies okay?
Copies are fine. Social Security does not need originals. Make sure copies are clear and readable. If a document is hard to read, ask your doctor's office for a clearer copy before you send it.
What if I send documents to the wrong address?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them what you sent and where you sent it. They can sometimes retrieve documents from the wrong office and move them to the right place. This is why certified mail with return receipt is helpful — you will know where it went.
How long does it take Social Security to review documents after I send them?
There is no set timeline. It depends on how busy your office is and what stage your case is in. Generally, allow two to four weeks for documents to be added to your file and reviewed. If you have not heard back after a month, call to confirm they received everything.