You file for SSDI through the Social Security Administration, not through your employer or state

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You start the process by contacting SSA directly — either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There is no fee to file, and you do not need a lawyer, though some people hire one after being denied.

The SSA will ask you to prove three things: that you have a medical condition severe enough to prevent substantial work, that the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and that you have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned SSDI coverage. The entire process from filing to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if SSA needs more medical records.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the Social Security Administration directly by phone, online, or in person — SSDI is not run through your state or employer.
  • SSA will need your medical records, work history, and proof that your condition prevents you from working at a substantial level.
  • You must have worked recently enough to have earned SSDI coverage; the exact timeline depends on your age.
  • Most people are denied on their first application, and many file again or request a hearing before an administrative judge.
  • The process takes months, so file as soon as you believe you meet the criteria rather than waiting until you run out of money.

Gathering the documents you will need before you file

Before you contact SSA, collect your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID). You will also need your most recent tax return or W-2 forms to show your work history.

Most importantly, gather your medical records. This means records from every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated you for the condition that prevents you from working. SSA will request these directly from your providers, but having them ready speeds the process. Include test results, imaging reports, medication lists, and notes from your doctors about how your condition limits what you can do.

If you do not have recent medical records — for example, if you have not seen a doctor in months — SSA may ask you to get a medical exam at their expense before they make a decision. This can add weeks to the timeline.

The three ways to file: online, by phone, or in person

Online filing is the fastest route if you have a Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, sign in or create an account, and look for "Apply for Disability." You can save your application and come back to it, and you will get a confirmation number immediately. SSA will contact you within a few days to schedule a phone interview.

Phone filing means calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing). You will speak with an SSA representative who will walk you through the questions and file the application on the spot. The call typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. This is a good option if you are not comfortable with online forms or do not have reliable internet.

In-person filing at your local Social Security office is an option if you prefer to file face-to-face. You can find your nearest office on ssa.gov or by calling the main number. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours. Some offices now require you to make an appointment first.

What happens after you file: the SSA review process

After you file, SSA sends your case to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. This is a separate agency that reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet SSA's definition of disability. DDS will request records from your doctors and may order a consultative exam if they need more information.

During this time, you will receive a letter asking you to confirm your contact information and answer questions about your work history and medical treatment. Answer completely and honestly — incomplete answers can delay your case or lead to a denial.

SSA will mail you a decision letter. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration or file an appeal.

What to do if SSA denies your claim

Most people are denied on their first application. This does not mean you cannot receive SSDI — it means SSA did not find enough medical evidence that your condition meets their definition of disability, or that you did not work long enough to be covered.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. This means SSA will review your case again, usually with new or updated medical records. Many people gather additional doctor's notes, test results, or statements from their providers during this time and submit them with the reconsideration request.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work. Many people hire a disability lawyer at this stage; lawyers are paid only if you win, and their fee comes from your back pay rather than from you upfront.

How work history affects whether you can receive SSDI

SSDI is based on your Social Security work credits, which you earn by working and paying Social Security taxes. You need a certain number of credits to be covered, and the number depends on your age when you become disabled.

If you are under 24, you generally need six credits earned in the three years before you became disabled. If you are 24 to 31, you need credits for half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled. If you are 31 or older, you need 20 credits earned in the 10 years before you became disabled, plus additional credits depending on your exact age.

If you have not worked recently or long enough to earn these credits, you do not meet the work requirement for SSDI. In that case, you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program that does not require a work history. SSA will tell you if you might be covered under SSI when they deny your SSDI claim.

How long SSDI takes and what to expect while you wait

The timeline varies. Initial decisions usually come within three to six months, but cases involving complex medical conditions or incomplete records can take longer. Reconsideration adds another two to three months. A hearing before an ALJ can take six months to a year or more, depending on how busy the court is in your area.

While you wait, you receive no income from SSDI. Some people continue working part-time if they can, or draw from savings, unemployment benefits, or help from family. If you are approved, your benefits usually start the month after SSA approves your case, though there is a five-month waiting period built into the program — meaning your first check covers the sixth month of disability.

If you win at a hearing and the ALJ approves you, SSA will calculate your back pay (the money you would have received from when you first became disabled until the approval date) and send it to you in a lump sum or in installments, depending on the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?

No. You can file on your own and many people do. A lawyer is most useful if you are denied and want to request a hearing before a judge. Disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and their fee is taken from your back pay rather than paid by you upfront.

Can I work while I wait for a decision?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI, but SSA may use your work activity as evidence that you are not disabled. If you work and earn more than the substantial gainful activity level (which changes yearly), SSA may deny your claim or say you are not disabled. Report any work you do to SSA.

What if I do not have recent medical records?

SSA can order a consultative exam at their expense. This is a one-time appointment with a doctor chosen by SSA to evaluate your condition. The exam is free to you, and the results go into your file. Having your own recent records speeds the process, but lack of records does not automatically disqualify you.

How much will I receive each month if I am approved?

Your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime earnings record. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but amounts vary widely. SSA will tell you the estimated amount when you file or when you are approved. You can also create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov to see your estimated benefit.

What happens to my SSDI if I go back to work?

SSDI has a trial work period that lets you test your ability to work without losing benefits. You can work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) and still receive your full SSDI payment. After that, SSA will review whether you can still work at a substantial level. If you can, your benefits may stop, but you can request them again if you become unable to work.