You file for SSDI through Social Security, not through your state or employer
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You do not file through your state, your doctor, or your employer — you contact SSA directly. The process takes time: most people wait three to five months for an initial decision, and many cases go to appeal, which can add another year or more.
You can start the process online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is often fastest because you can work at your own pace and save your progress. The SSA will ask detailed questions about your medical condition, your work history, and how your condition affects your daily activities.
Key Takeaways
- You file for SSDI directly with the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment.
- The SSA sends your case to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS), which makes the initial decision based on medical evidence, not your word alone.
- If SSA denies your case, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with a lawyer or representative win on the second or third try.
- While you wait for a decision, you can work part-time and still receive SSDI, as long as your earnings stay below a monthly limit that changes each year.
What documents you need before you start
Gather these items before you file. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will have to go back and find something later.
You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident (passport, green card, or naturalization papers). You also need your driver's license or state ID. Bring tax returns or W-2 forms from the past two years to show your work history and earnings.
The most important documents are your medical records. Collect records from every doctor, hospital, therapist, or specialist who has treated your condition in the past three years. Include test results, imaging reports, surgery notes, and medication lists. If you see a doctor regularly, ask their office to send your complete medical file to SSA — you can give them the SSA address when you file.
How to file online, by phone, or in person
Online filing is the fastest route. Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability." You create a my Social Security account if you do not have one, then answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. You can save your progress and come back later. When you finish, SSA sends your process to your state's Disability information Services office.
By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing). Wait times are long, especially early in the week. You can ask to schedule a callback instead of waiting on hold. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit your process.
In person: Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk in during business hours or call ahead to schedule an appointment. Bring all your documents with you. An employee will fill out your process while you answer questions.
What happens after you file
After you submit your process, SSA sends it to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. DDS is a state agency that decides whether you meet SSA's medical rules for disability. They review your medical records, may order new tests or exams, and sometimes contact your doctors with questions.
You will receive a letter telling you the decision. If SSA approves your case, the letter says when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If SSA denies your case, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.
The entire process from filing to initial decision usually takes three to five months. Some cases take longer if DDS needs more medical evidence or if your condition is complex. You can check the status of your process online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What to do if SSA denies your case
Most people are denied on their first try. This does not mean you cannot win — it means you need to appeal and often need help from a lawyer or representative who knows how to present your case.
You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who win do so at the hearing stage, which is the third step.
At a hearing, you sit across from an administrative law judge who listens to your testimony and your medical evidence. You can bring a lawyer or representative with you. Many people hire a disability lawyer at this stage because judges are more likely to approve cases when a lawyer presents the evidence clearly.
Disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent) only if you win. They do not charge you upfront. You can find a lawyer through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by asking your local legal aid office.
How much you can earn while waiting for a decision
You can work part-time and still receive SSDI, as long as your monthly earnings stay below a limit set by SSA each year. In 2024, that limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. These amounts change each January.
If you earn more than the limit in a month, SSA may not pay you that month. Report your earnings to SSA every month — you can do this through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Hiding earnings can result in overpayment, which SSA will ask you to repay.
Once you have been on SSDI for nine months, you enter a period called the Trial Work Period. During this nine-month window, you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After the Trial Work Period ends, the monthly earnings limit applies again.
Getting help with your process
You do not have to hire a lawyer to file for SSDI, but free help is available. Contact your local legal aid office (lawhelp.org) or a community action agency to see if they offer free SSDI counseling. Some nonprofits also offer free help with the initial process.
If you decide to hire a representative, they must be approved by SSA. This includes lawyers, non-lawyer representatives, and advocates. You can search for approved representatives at ssa.gov/representation. Any representative you hire must sign a fee agreement with you before they start work.
You can also call the SSA's 1-800 number and ask questions while you fill out your process. Representatives there cannot tell you whether you will win, but they can explain what documents you need and how the process works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for SSDI?
The initial decision usually takes three to five months. If SSA denies your case and you appeal, a hearing before a judge typically happens six to twelve months later. Some cases take longer depending on how busy your state's office is and how complex your medical condition is.
Can I work while I wait for a decision?
Yes. You can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without losing benefits. Report your earnings to SSA each month. After nine months of work, you enter a Trial Work Period where you can earn any amount for nine more months without losing benefits.
What if my doctor says I cannot work but SSA says I can?
SSA uses its own medical rules, not your doctor's opinion alone. SSA looks at what you can do despite your condition, not just what your doctor says you cannot do. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal and bring your doctor's statement to the hearing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?
No. You can file on your own. But if SSA denies your case, a lawyer can help you win on appeal. Many people hire a lawyer at the hearing stage because judges approve more cases when a lawyer presents the evidence. Lawyers work on contingency and do not charge upfront.
What happens if I get approved — when do benefits start?
Your benefits start the month after you have been disabled for five full months. The SSA approval letter tells you the exact start date. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, usually within a few weeks of approval.