You can file for SSDI entirely online through Social Security's website, or start online and finish by phone or mail
Social Security lets you begin a disability claim on its website without visiting an office. You create an account, fill out the application form, and upload documents. The process takes 20 to 40 minutes if you have your medical records and work history ready. You do not have to complete it all at once — you can save your progress and return later.
The online application does not speed up the decision itself. Social Security still takes three to six months to review your claim, whether you file online, by phone, or in person. But filing online means you have a record of exactly what you submitted and when, and you can check your case status from home.
Key Takeaways
- Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability to start an online SSDI claim; you will need to create a my Social Security account first.
- Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and a list of jobs from the past 15 years ready before you begin.
- You can save your application and come back to it later if you do not finish in one sitting.
- After you submit, Social Security will contact you by mail or phone if they need more information or want to schedule a medical exam.
- You can check your case status anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.
What you need before you start the online application
Gather these documents and information before you open the application. Having them ready cuts the time in half and reduces the chance you will abandon the form halfway through.
Personal documents: Your Social Security number, date of birth, and citizenship or immigration status. If you were born outside the United States, have your birth certificate or passport available.
Medical information: The names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, clinic, or mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. Include dates you saw them. Social Security will contact these providers directly to request your records, so accuracy matters — a wrong phone number means they cannot reach that provider.
Work history: A list of every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, include the name of your business and the years you operated it.
Bank account information (optional but recommended): If you are approved, Social Security pays by direct deposit. Having your routing number and account number ready speeds up payment setup, though you can add this later.
Step-by-step: creating your account and filing online
Step 1: Create a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You will need an email address and a password. Social Security will ask you security questions based on your credit history — this is how they verify you are who you say you are. If you cannot answer these questions (for example, if you have no credit history), you can verify your identity in person at a Social Security office instead.
Step 2: Go to the disability application. Once you are logged in, go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability. Click "Start your application" and select "Disability Benefits (SSDI)." Do not select Supplemental Security Income (SSI) unless you have very low income and few assets — SSDI is based on your work record, SSI is based on financial need.
Step 3: Fill out the application form. The form asks for your personal information, medical history, work history, and details about your condition. Answer every question that applies to you. If a question does not apply, you can leave it blank. The form saves automatically every few minutes, so you will not lose your work if your internet cuts out.
Step 4: Upload medical records or other documents. You can attach PDF files, images, or scanned documents. This is optional — Social Security will request records from your doctors anyway — but uploading them speeds up the review. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or letters from your doctor describing your condition, include those.
Step 5: Review and submit. Before you submit, read through your answers to catch typos or missing information. Once you click "Submit," you will see a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You will use it to check your case status.
What happens after you submit your application online
Social Security sends you a letter within two weeks confirming they received your claim. This letter includes your case number. Keep it in a safe place.
Over the next few weeks, Social Security will contact your doctors and request your medical records. You do not have to do this yourself — they handle it. If your doctors do not respond quickly, Social Security may contact you and ask you to sign a release form so they can request the records again.
Social Security may also schedule you for a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor they choose. This is a one-time appointment, usually at a clinic near you, where a doctor examines you or reviews your medical history. You do not pay for this exam. If Social Security schedules one, they will tell you the date, time, and location in a letter.
Throughout this time, you can log into your my Social Security account and click "Check your application status" to see where your case stands. The status updates as Social Security receives records and makes decisions.
If you cannot complete the application online
You do not have to file online. If you do not have internet access, cannot create a my Social Security account, or prefer to speak with someone, you have other options.
By phone: Call Social Security's disability hotline at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the week. A representative will take your information over the phone and file your claim. This takes 30 to 45 minutes.
In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea. Bring the documents listed above.
By mail: Request Form SSA-16-F (Application for Disability Insurance Benefits) from Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213, or download it from ssa.gov. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it to your local Social Security office. Processing takes longer this way — usually four to six weeks just to receive your application.
Common problems and how to fix them
You cannot create a my Social Security account because you cannot answer the security questions. Social Security bases these questions on your credit history. If you have no credit history or the questions do not match your records, go to a Social Security office in person with your birth certificate and photo ID. A representative can verify your identity and create your account for you, or file your claim directly.
You submitted your application but Social Security says they never received it. Log into your my Social Security account and check your application status. If it shows "Not Found," call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your confirmation number from when you submitted. They can look up your claim in their system even if the online portal does not show it yet. If they confirm they have no record, you will need to file again.
Social Security is asking for medical records you do not have. If you saw a doctor years ago and cannot find the records, call that doctor's office and ask them to send the records to Social Security. Give them your case number. If the office says the records are too old to retrieve, ask Social Security what to do next — they may accept a letter from your current doctor describing your condition instead.
You started the application online but want to finish by phone or in person. You can do this. Your online application is saved. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office and tell them you have a partial application started. They can pull it up and help you complete it, or you can start over with them if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hear back after I file online?
Social Security takes three to six months to make a decision on most claims. The online filing method does not speed this up. You will receive a letter in the mail when a decision is made. You can check your status anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.
Do I have to upload my medical records when I file online, or will Social Security get them?
Social Security will request your records from your doctors automatically. Uploading them when you file is optional but helpful — it can speed up the review. If you have recent test results or a letter from your doctor, include those.
What if I make a mistake on my online application?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them about the error. They can correct it in their system. Do not file a new application — that creates confusion and delays your case.
Can I file for SSDI and SSI at the same time online?
Yes. If you have a work history but also have low income and few assets, you may be better off filing for both. The online application lets you select both programs. Social Security will review you for each one separately.
What if I am approved? When do I get my first payment?
If you are approved, Social Security pays you by direct deposit starting the month after your approval. Your first payment arrives within two weeks of your approval letter. If you did not provide bank account information when you filed, Social Security will ask for it in the approval letter.