You explore for SSDI through Social Security, not through your state or employer
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You cannot explore through your state welfare office, your doctor, or your employer — you must contact Social Security directly. The process itself is free, and Social Security does not charge you to process it.
You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people find the online process fastest because you can work through it at your own pace and save your progress. The phone line has wait times, especially early in the week. In-person appointments require you to call ahead or use the office locator at ssa.gov to schedule.
The entire process — from process to a final decision — typically takes three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or if you appeal a denial. You will not hear back within days, so do not expect a quick answer.
Key Takeaways
- You explore directly to Social Security at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local office — not through your state or employer.
- Social Security will ask for your medical records, work history, and details about how your condition limits your ability to work.
- The decision process takes three to six months on average, and you will receive a written notice by mail explaining whether you were approved or denied.
- If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal, and many people who are initially denied are approved on appeal.
- You do not need a lawyer to explore, but a lawyer or representative can help you understand the process and represent you at an appeal hearing.
What documents and information you need before you start
Social Security will ask for specific documents during the process. Gather these before you begin so you do not have to stop and search for them later. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers), and your driver's license or state ID.
You will also need to list your work history for the past 15 years, including the names of employers, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or business records. Social Security uses this information to calculate how much you might receive and to confirm you have worked long enough to be insured under SSDI.
Most importantly, bring or be ready to describe your medical condition and the treatment you have received. Social Security will ask for the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you. Have recent medical records available — test results, imaging reports, therapy notes, or hospital discharge summaries help Social Security understand the severity of your condition. If you do not have copies, Social Security can request them from your providers, but this slows down the process.
how the process works online at ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Disability" button on the homepage. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This requires your email address and a password you create. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.
Once you are logged in, select "explore for Disability Benefits." The form walks you through sections one at a time. You will enter your personal information, medical history, work history, and details about how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. The form saves automatically, so you can close it and come back later if you need to gather more information.
At the end, you will review your answers and submit the process electronically. Social Security will send you a confirmation number and a summary by email. Keep this confirmation number — you will need it if you call Social Security with questions about your case. After you submit, Social Security will mail you a notice within two weeks telling you what happens next and what additional documents they need from you.
how the process works by phone or in person
To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). The wait time varies, but calling early in the morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday usually means a shorter wait than calling on Monday or Friday. Have your documents ready before you call so you can answer questions without putting the representative on hold.
The representative will ask you the same questions as the online form: your personal information, medical history, work history, and how your condition limits you. The call typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. At the end, the representative will tell you what happens next and what documents Social Security needs from you. Ask for a case number so you can reference your process if you call back.
To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Bring all your documents with you. An employee will walk you through the process and answer questions. In-person appointments often take longer than phone calls because the office may be busy, but some people find it easier to explain their situation face-to-face.
What happens after you submit your process
Within two weeks of submitting your process, Social Security will mail you a notice listing what documents they need from you. This almost always includes medical records. Social Security can request these directly from your doctors and hospitals, but you can speed up the process by gathering them yourself and mailing them to the address on the notice.
Social Security assigns your case to a disability examiner who reviews your medical records, work history, and the information you provided. The examiner may contact your doctors to ask specific questions about your condition. This review phase typically takes one to three months. During this time, you will not hear from Social Security unless they need more information from you.
Once the examiner finishes reviewing, Social Security will mail you a written decision. The notice will say whether you were approved or denied and will explain the reason. If you were approved, the notice will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the notice will explain what condition or conditions Social Security found and why they determined you do not meet the definition of disability under their rules.
What to do if Social Security denies your process
A denial does not mean you cannot receive SSDI — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. Many people are denied the first time and approved on appeal. You have the right to challenge the decision.
You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. The notice will explain your appeal options. The first step is usually a "reconsideration," where a different examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you provide. This takes another one to three months. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is where many people win their cases.
You do not need a lawyer to appeal, but a lawyer or non-lawyer representative who specializes in Social Security disability can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they can only charge you a percentage of your back pay (up to 25 percent, capped at $7,200). To find a representative, search the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or ask your local legal aid office.
How much SSDI pays and when payments start
SSDI payments vary based on your work history and earnings record. Social Security calculates your benefit amount using a formula based on your average earnings over your working years. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but individual amounts range widely — some people receive less than $800 per month, others receive more than $3,000.
Your first payment arrives the month after you are approved. If you are approved in March, your first check comes in April. You will receive payments every month for as long as you remain disabled and unable to work. Social Security reviews your case periodically (usually every three to seven years, depending on your condition) to confirm you still meet the definition of disability.
Once you reach full retirement age, your SSDI payments automatically convert to retirement benefits at the same amount. You do not have to reapply or do anything — Social Security handles the switch automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while waiting for a Social Security decision?
Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit, which changes yearly), Social Security may determine you are able to work and deny your process. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security if asked.
Do I need a doctor's letter saying I cannot work?
A letter from your doctor helps, but Social Security makes the final decision based on medical records, not a doctor's opinion alone. Medical records — test results, imaging, treatment notes, and therapy records — matter more than a single letter. Ask your doctor to send your complete medical file to Social Security.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
Contact your doctors and ask them to send records to Social Security. If you have not seen a doctor recently, consider scheduling an appointment so you have current medical evidence. Social Security can work with older records, but recent records strengthen your case.
Can I explore for SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes. If you do not have enough work history for SSDI, you may still may have access to for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program. When you explore for SSDI, Social Security will automatically consider you for SSI as well.
What happens if I disagree with the amount of my monthly payment?
Your payment amount is based on your earnings record and is calculated by a formula Social Security uses for everyone. You cannot appeal the amount itself, but you can request a detailed explanation of how Social Security calculated it. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a benefit calculation statement.