You can begin a Social Security Disability Insurance process on the Social Security Administration website without visiting an office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you start an SSDI 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 SSA then assigns a caseworker to your claim, and you continue the process by mail, phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Starting online saves time compared to walking into an office, but the full process still takes months. You will need medical records, work history details, and proof of identity before you begin. This guide walks you through what to expect at each stage.

Key Takeaways

  • You start an SSDI claim at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account and completing the online form, which takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • The SSA will ask for your medical history, current symptoms, medications, doctors' names, and dates you stopped working due to your condition.
  • After you submit online, a caseworker contacts you within 5 to 10 business days to request medical records and other documents by mail.
  • The entire review process from submission to a decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, though some cases take longer.
  • You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.

Setting up your my Social Security account

Before you can start an SSDI claim online, you need a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number where the SSA can reach you.

The SSA will send you a verification code by email or text. Enter that code to confirm your identity. If you already have a my Social Security account for other reasons (checking your earnings record, for example), you can use the same login to start your SSDI claim.

Keep your login information in a safe place. You will use this account throughout your claim to upload documents, read messages from your caseworker, and track your case status.

Starting the SSDI process form online

Once you are logged into my Social Security, look for the option to file a new claim for disability benefits. The form is called the "process for Disability Insurance Benefits" (Form SSA-16). You do not read or print it — you fill it out directly on the website.

The form asks for your personal information, work history, medical conditions, and the date your condition became so severe you could no longer work. Answer each question as completely as you can. If you do not know an exact date, write the month and year you remember, or write "approximately" and your best estimate.

The online form saves your progress as you go, so you can stop and return to it later if you need to gather information. Most people finish in 15 to 30 minutes, though some take longer if they need to look up old job titles or medical details.

Information you need before you start

Have these details ready before you begin filling out the form:

  • Your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address
  • Names and addresses of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition
  • Dates of your medical visits and the names of medications you currently take
  • The date you stopped working or reduced your work hours because of your condition
  • Your job titles and employers for the past 15 years
  • Names and phone numbers of people who can confirm your work history (former supervisors or coworkers)

You do not need to have all your medical records in hand before you start. The SSA will request them from your doctors after you submit. However, knowing your doctors' names and the approximate dates of your visits makes the form faster to complete.

What happens after you submit online

Once you click submit, the SSA receives your claim when ready. You will see a confirmation number on the screen — write this down or take a screenshot. The SSA will also send you a confirmation email.

Within 5 to 10 business days, a caseworker assigned to your claim will contact you by phone at the number you provided. They will introduce themselves, answer your questions, and tell you what documents they need from you. Most caseworkers ask for medical records first.

The caseworker will explain how to send documents — usually by mail to your local Social Security office, though some offices now accept uploads through your my Social Security account. Ask your caseworker which method is faster in your area.

Sending medical records and other documents

The SSA will request records from your doctors, but you can speed up the process by sending them yourself. Contact each doctor or hospital on your form and ask for copies of your medical records related to your condition. Most offices charge a small fee (usually $10 to $50) and mail records within 5 to 10 business days.

You can also authorize the SSA to request records on your behalf by signing a release form. Your caseworker will send you this form or explain how to sign it online. If you use this method, expect the SSA to receive records within 2 to 4 weeks, since doctors' offices often prioritize patient requests over government requests.

Send or upload documents as soon as you have them. The SSA cannot make a decision without medical evidence, so delays in sending records delay your decision. Keep copies of everything you send for your own records.

Tracking your claim status online

Log into your my Social Security account anytime to see updates on your claim. The status page shows whether the SSA is still gathering medical records, whether they have sent your case to a medical reviewer, or whether a decision is being prepared.

You can also see messages from your caseworker in your account inbox. If they need more information or documents, they will message you there. Check your account at least once a week while your claim is being reviewed, especially if your caseworker has asked for documents by a certain date.

If you do not see updates for several weeks, call your local Social Security office and ask for your caseworker by name. Long delays sometimes mean documents were lost in the mail or your file needs clarification.

Timeline from submission to decision

Most SSDI claims take 3 to 6 months from the date you submit online to the date you receive a decision. Some take longer if the SSA needs additional medical records or if your case is sent to a medical informed for review.

The SSA will notify you of the decision by mail and through your my Social Security account. If you are approved, the letter will explain when your first payment arrives and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to request reconsideration or appeal.

Do not expect a decision before 90 days have passed. If more than 6 months pass without a decision, contact your local Social Security office to ask whether your case is delayed and what you can do to move it forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start an SSDI claim online if I do not have a computer or internet at home?

Yes. You can use a computer at a public library, a friend's house, or a Social Security office. You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to start your claim over the phone instead, though the online method is usually faster.

What if I do not remember the exact date I stopped working?

Write the month and year you remember, or write "approximately" and your best guess. The SSA will ask your caseworker to clarify this during the review. Accuracy matters for your payment start date, but a rough estimate is enough to begin the claim.

Do I need a lawyer to start an SSDI claim online?

No. You can start the claim yourself for free. Many people complete the online form without legal help. You can hire a lawyer or representative later if your claim is denied and you decide to appeal, but you do not need one to begin.

What if I make a mistake on the online form after I submit it?

Contact your caseworker as soon as you realize the error. They can correct most mistakes in your file without requiring you to start over. The sooner you report the error, the less likely it is to delay your decision.

Can I check my claim status without logging into my Social Security account?

Your caseworker can tell you the status if you call and provide your Social Security number and confirmation number. However, logging into your account is faster and shows more detail about what documents the SSA is waiting for.