The filing process starts with gathering documents, then submitting through Social Security directly

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by contacting Social Security and providing medical evidence that you cannot work. The process involves submitting your application, medical records, and work history to Social Security, which then decides whether your condition meets their definition of disability. Most people file online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The entire review typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer.

The two programs are different. SSDI is based on your own work history and Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. You may be able to file for both at the same time if you meet the requirements for each.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your application online at ssa.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records from your doctors, so gather those documents and give permission for Social Security to request them directly from your providers.
  • The decision process usually takes three to six months, and you will receive a written notice explaining whether you were approved or denied.
  • If you are denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter, which sends your case to a different Social Security reviewer.
  • You do not pay Social Security to file; the application itself is free, though you may want a lawyer to help with an appeal.

What documents you need before you start

Gather your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency before you begin. You will also need your most recent tax return or W-2 form, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years with the dates you worked and the names of your employers.

For the medical side, collect the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for your condition. Include mental health providers, physical therapists, and any other medical professionals who have records related to why you cannot work. Social Security will request these records directly from your providers, but having the contact information ready speeds up the process. If you have recent test results, imaging, or lab work, gather those too — you can upload them with your application.

How to start your application online, by phone, or in person

Online: Go to ssa.gov and select "Apply for Disability." The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return later. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. After you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation number and tells you what happens next.

By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. A representative will ask you questions and fill out the application while you are on the phone. They will mail you a summary of what you reported so you can review it for accuracy.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Find the office nearest you on ssa.gov. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is common. Bring your documents with you. An employee will help you complete the application and can answer questions about what Social Security needs.

What Social Security asks about your medical condition and work history

Social Security will ask you to describe your condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work. Be specific: instead of "I have back pain," explain "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain, and I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds." Describe how your condition affects daily activities like walking, standing, concentrating, or remembering instructions.

You will also list every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the type of work, how long you worked there, and when you stopped working. Social Security uses this to understand what kind of work you were doing and why you can no longer do it. If your condition is recent, they want to know what you were doing before it started and why you had to stop.

Social Security will also ask about any treatment you are receiving — medications, therapy, surgery, or rehabilitation. If you are not currently receiving treatment, they will ask why. This does not automatically disqualify you, but Social Security considers it when reviewing your case.

The review process and what happens after you submit

After you submit your application, Social Security requests your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This can take several weeks. Once Social Security has your records, a disability examiner reviews everything to see whether your condition meets their definition of disability — meaning you cannot do any kind of work for at least 12 months or have a condition expected to result in death.

Social Security may also send you to a doctor they choose for an examination or ask you to have specific tests done. This exam is free to you. The doctor's report goes into your file and helps Social Security make a decision. You will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied. If approved, the notice tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.

What to do if your application is denied

If Social Security denies your application, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. Reconsideration means a different Social Security examiner reviews your case from the beginning. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage, which is often helpful if you have received additional treatment or test results since your first application.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony. Many people hire a lawyer at this stage. Social Security has a list of approved representatives on their website, and lawyers typically charge a fee only if you win, usually taking a portion of your back pay.

The appeal process can take a year or more, but you can continue to work and earn income while you appeal. If you eventually win, you receive back pay going back to the date you first filed.

How much you receive and when payments start

SSDI payments are based on your earnings record — the more you paid into Social Security through taxes, the higher your monthly benefit. The average SSDI payment is around $1,500 per month, but this varies widely depending on your work history. Social Security can tell you your estimated benefit amount before you file if you create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov.

SSI payments are set by federal law and do not depend on your work history. The maximum federal SSI payment for 2024 is $943 per month for an individual, though some states add extra money on top. If you receive SSI, you may also be may be able to access for Medicaid and food assistance.

Payments typically start the month after Social Security approves your application, though there is a five-month waiting period for SSDI. This means if you are approved in March, your first payment arrives in September. SSI has no waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my application is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn income while Social Security reviews your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (for 2024), Social Security may consider you able to work and deny your application. The amount changes yearly. If you are approved, you can continue working up to a certain amount through a program called Substantial Gainful Activity.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file on your own without paying anyone. However, many people hire a lawyer or representative if their application is denied and they plan to appeal. Lawyers can help gather medical evidence and prepare for a hearing, and they only charge if you win.

What if I have not worked much or recently?

You may still be able to file for SSI, which does not require a work history. You must have low income and few resources. For SSDI, you need enough work credits based on your age and how long you worked, but Social Security can tell you whether you have enough credits when you call.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months. Reconsideration takes another three to six months. A hearing before a judge can take a year or longer. If you appeal to federal court, the process takes even more time. Many people are denied initially and approved on appeal.

What if my condition improves or I go back to work?

You must report any work or income to Social Security. If you return to work and earn above the limit, your benefits may stop. Social Security has programs that let you test returning to work without immediately losing benefits, but you must report the work.