The basic steps to file for SSDI

You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance through three routes: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online application takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your work and return to it later. By phone, a representative will walk you through the same questions. In person, staff will help you complete the form and answer questions about your medical condition and work history.

Whichever route you choose, you will need the same documents ready: your Social Security card or a record of your number, your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of doctors and hospitals that have treated you. You will also need to describe your condition, when it started, and how it prevents you from working. Have your last two years of tax returns or pay stubs available, because Social Security needs to confirm your work history.

After you file, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office. That office requests your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. The review usually takes 3 to 5 months, though some cases take longer if your medical evidence is incomplete or if the office needs more information from you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and the online application lets you save and return to it later.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and a list of all doctors and hospitals who have treated you before you start.
  • Social Security will request your medical records directly from your providers, so you do not need to collect them yourself.
  • The decision typically takes 3 to 5 months, and you will receive a written notice by mail explaining whether you were approved or denied.
  • If denied, you can file a reconsideration request within 60 days, which sends your case to a different reviewer at the same office.

What documents you need before you start

Social Security requires proof of your identity and work history. Bring your Social Security card, or if you do not have it, write down your number. You will need your birth certificate — an original, certified copy, or a state-issued ID that shows your date of birth. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, green card, or visa.

You also need a complete list of every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider who has treated you, along with the dates you saw them. If you have seen many providers, write down the most recent ones and the ones who treated you for your disabling condition. Social Security will contact them directly to request records, so accuracy matters — a wrong phone number or spelling of a provider's name can delay your case.

Gather your last two years of tax returns, W-2 forms, or pay stubs to show your work history and earnings. If you are self-employed, bring your business tax returns. Social Security uses this information to confirm that you have worked long enough to be covered by the program.

How to file online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Apply for Disability" link on the homepage. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already — this requires an email address and a password. Once logged in, you can start the SSDI application form.

The form asks about your medical condition, when it began, which doctors have treated you, your work history, and your family information. You can answer the questions in any order and save your progress at any time. If you close the browser, your answers stay saved for 60 days, so you can return and finish later. The system will not submit your application until you review it and click the final submit button.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen and receive an email confirming that Social Security received your application. Write down the confirmation number — you will need it if you call Social Security to check on your case. Do not expect an immediate response; Social Security will contact you by mail if they need more information.

Filing by phone or in person

To file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your documents ready before you call, because the representative will ask the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, the representative will give you a confirmation number and tell you what happens next.

To file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the main number above. Walk-in appointments are available, but wait times vary widely. Many offices now require you to make an appointment online or by phone first. Bring all your documents with you — originals or certified copies, not photocopies. A representative will complete the application with you and answer questions about your condition and work history.

What happens after you file

Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office within a few days. That office reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning you cannot do any work for at least 12 months or have a condition expected to result in death.

The office will request your medical records from every provider you listed. This process takes time; providers sometimes take weeks to send records. If Social Security does not receive enough medical evidence, they will contact you by mail and ask you to provide additional information or authorize them to contact specific doctors.

You will receive a written decision by mail, usually within 3 to 5 months. The letter will say whether you were approved or denied. If approved, it will explain your benefit amount and when payments begin. If denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to file a reconsideration request.

What to do if your application is denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file a reconsideration request. This sends your case to a different reviewer at the same Disability information Services office. You can file the reconsideration online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person using the same methods as your original application.

When you file for reconsideration, include any new medical evidence that has developed since your first application — recent test results, new diagnoses, or updated treatment records. If your condition has worsened or you have seen new doctors, tell Social Security about that. New evidence can change the outcome, but the same office reviewing the same evidence usually reaches the same decision.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a separate process that takes longer but gives you a chance to present your case in front of a judge rather than a paper reviewer. You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial to request a hearing.

How long the process takes and what to expect

From the day you file to the day you receive a decision usually takes 3 to 5 months. Some cases move faster if your medical evidence is clear and complete. Others take longer if Social Security needs to request additional records, if your condition is complex, or if the Disability information Services office is backlogged.

During this time, you will not receive any payments. Social Security does not pay benefits while your case is under review. However, if you are eventually approved, you will receive back pay going back to the date you filed your application — not to the date you became disabled. This is why filing as soon as you stop working is important.

You may receive letters from Social Security asking for more information or requesting that you attend a medical examination. These letters will have a deadline, usually 10 days. If you miss the deadline, Social Security may deny your case. If you cannot meet the deadline, call Social Security immediately and ask for an extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI application is being reviewed?

Yes, you can work and earn money while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled because you are able to work. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible, or tell Social Security about any work you do when they contact you.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to collect them yourself. When you file, give Social Security the names and contact information for your doctors and hospitals. Social Security will request the records directly from those providers. If you have seen providers you cannot remember or locate, tell Social Security what you do remember — the city, the type of doctor, or the approximate dates.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?

No, you can file on your own without a lawyer. Many people are approved without legal representation. However, if your case is denied and you appeal, a lawyer or non-lawyer representative who specializes in Social Security cases can help you prepare for a hearing. You only pay them if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay.

What if I have not worked in several years?

You still may be covered by Social Security if you worked long enough in the past. Social Security requires you to have earned 40 work credits, with at least 20 of them earned in the 10 years before you became disabled. If you do not have enough credits, you may not be covered. Social Security will tell you during the application process whether you have enough credits.

Can I file for my child or family member?

No, the person who is disabled must file their own application or have a legal representative or family member file on their behalf. If you are filing for someone else, you will need power of attorney or guardianship documents. Contact your local Social Security office to learn what paperwork is required.