The filing process starts with Social Security, not your doctor

You file for SSDI directly with Social Security, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Social Security decides whether you meet their definition of disabled — not your doctor, not your state, not an employer. You will need medical records, work history, and proof of age, but Social Security will request the specific documents they need once you start the process.

The entire process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer. Many people are denied the first time and must request reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge. Understanding the steps ahead of time helps you prepare documents and know what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • You file with Social Security directly through ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local office — not through your employer, doctor, or state agency.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and tax records, but you do not need to gather everything before you start — they will tell you what they need.
  • The initial decision usually comes within three to six months, but many people receive a denial and must request a hearing before a judge.
  • You can work with a disability representative or attorney to help with your case, and they are only paid if you win.

Starting your SSDI claim online, by phone, or in person

The fastest way to start is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You will answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and living situation. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and come back later. Social Security will contact you within a few days to confirm they received it and to ask follow-up questions.

If you prefer to speak to someone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and driver's license or passport.

Whichever method you choose, Social Security will assign your case to a claims examiner who will contact you by phone or mail with next steps. Keep a record of the date you filed and the name of anyone you speak with.

What documents Social Security will ask for

Social Security will request medical records from your doctors and hospitals, your work history for the past 15 years, and tax records to verify your earnings. You do not need to collect these yourself before you file — Social Security can request them directly from your providers and the IRS. However, having them ready speeds up the process.

Gather the following if you have them: names and addresses of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you, dates of treatment, a list of medications you take, and records of any surgeries or hospitalizations. For work history, list every job you held in the past 15 years, the dates you worked, and what you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years.

You will also need proof of age (birth certificate), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport or green card), and your Social Security number. If you are married, Social Security may ask for your spouse's information as well.

How Social Security decides if you are disabled

Social Security uses a five-step process to decide whether you meet their definition of disability. First, they check whether you are working and earning more than $1,550 per month (this amount changes each year). If you are, they will likely deny your claim. If you are not, they move to step two.

In step two, they review your medical records to see whether you have a condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working. In step three, they check whether your condition matches one on Social Security's list of conditions that automatically may have access to as disabled. If it does, you are approved. If it does not, they move to step four.

In step four, they decide whether you can do the work you did in the past 15 years, given your medical condition. If you cannot, they move to step five. In step five, they decide whether you can do any other work that exists in the economy, considering your age, education, and work skills. If Social Security decides you cannot, you are approved. If they decide you can, you are denied.

What happens if Social Security denies your claim

About 65 to 70 percent of people are denied on their first SSDI claim. A denial does not mean you are ineligible — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that you cannot work. You have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.

In reconsideration, a different claims examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you submit. This is your chance to send additional doctor's notes, test results, or hospital records that were not in your file the first time. Many people are approved on reconsideration if they submit stronger medical evidence.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 60 days. At a hearing, you can present your case in person or by phone, bring witnesses (usually your doctor), and ask questions. A judge's decision is more likely to be in your favor than a claims examiner's decision, especially if you have a representative helping you.

Working with a disability representative or attorney

You can hire a disability representative or attorney to help you with your SSDI claim. They can gather medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and present your case to a judge. You do not pay them unless you win — if you are approved, they receive a fee from your back pay (the money owed to you from the date you became disabled).

The fee is capped by law at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by searching "SSDI attorney" in your state. Many offer free consultations to discuss your case.

Having a representative does not may provide approval, but statistics show that people with representation are more likely to be approved at a hearing than people without. A representative is especially helpful if your case is complex, if you have been denied twice, or if you are preparing for a hearing.

Timeline and what to expect at each stage

After you file, Social Security sends you a notice within a few days confirming they received your claim. Within two to three weeks, a claims examiner contacts you by phone to ask detailed questions about your medical condition and work history. Answer honestly and completely — this phone call is important to your case.

The claims examiner then requests medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This can take four to eight weeks depending on how quickly providers respond. Once Social Security has your records, the examiner reviews them and makes a decision. You receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you are approved or denied and why.

If you are approved, Social Security tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the notice explains your right to request reconsideration and the important date to do so (usually 60 days). Keep this notice — you will need it if you request a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?

You can file, but Social Security will likely deny your claim if you are earning more than $1,550 per month. If you earn less than that, you may be approved. Once approved, you can earn up to a higher amount ($2,590 in 2024) for nine months without losing benefits — this is called the trial work period.

How much back pay will I receive if I am approved?

Back pay is the money owed from the date you became disabled, minus a five-month waiting period. The exact amount depends on your earnings history and when you filed. Social Security calculates this and includes it in your approval notice. If you have a representative, their fee comes from this back pay.

What if my condition improves — will I lose my benefits?

Social Security can review your case at any time to see whether you are still disabled. If your condition improves and you can work, your benefits may stop. However, you have a nine-month trial work period where you can test working without losing benefits, and a 36-month extended may be able to access period where you can receive benefits in months you do not work.

Can I file for SSDI on behalf of someone else?

A parent or legal guardian can file for a child under 18. For an adult, you can help them file, but they must sign the process themselves unless they are unable to do so, in which case a court-appointed representative can file on their behalf.

How long does a hearing before a judge take?

A hearing usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. You present your case, answer the judge's questions, and your witnesses (usually your doctor) answer questions. The judge typically issues a decision within 30 to 90 days. If the judge approves you, Social Security begins paying benefits. If denied, you can appeal to the Appeals Council.