You file for SSDI through the Social Security Administration, either online, by phone, or in person at your local office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) accepts SSDI applications through three routes: the online portal at ssa.gov, a phone call to 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or an appointment at your nearest Social Security office. Most people start online because you can save your work and return to it, but you can also complete the entire process by phone without visiting an office. The process itself takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready.

Before you file, gather the documents you will need: your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records related to your condition, a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited, and information about any work you have done in the past 15 years. You do not need all of these on hand to start — the SSA will ask you to provide them later — but having them ready speeds up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office, and you can save your online process and return to it later.
  • The SSA will ask for medical records, work history, and proof of citizenship, but you do not need everything before you start — you can submit documents after you file.
  • The SSA assigns a claims examiner to your case who will contact your doctors and may order a medical exam at no cost to you.
  • The entire process from filing to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if the SSA needs more medical evidence.
  • If the SSA denies your claim, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.

Filing 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, a password, and answers to security questions. Once you are logged in, you will see the SSDI process form, which the SSA calls the "Adult Disability Report."

The form asks for your personal information, medical history, work history, and details about how your condition affects your daily activities. You can save your progress at any point and log back in to continue where you left off. This is useful if you need time to gather information or if you want to review your answers before submitting. Once you submit the process online, the SSA will send you a confirmation number by email.

After you submit, a claims examiner will be assigned to your case. That examiner will contact you if they need clarification on anything you wrote, and they will request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals. You do not need to collect these yourself — the SSA does that work.

Filing by phone or in person

If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security card, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors handy. The representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will file your process over the phone. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

To file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. Bring your original Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You can also bring medical records and work history documents if you have them, though this is not required. The office staff will help you complete the process and answer questions about what happens next.

What happens after you file

Once your process is submitted, the SSA will send you a letter confirming receipt and assigning a claims examiner to your case. That examiner will review your medical records and work history to determine whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability — meaning you cannot work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The examiner will contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records. If your records do not contain enough detail about your condition, the SSA may order a medical exam at no cost to you. This exam is performed by a doctor chosen by the SSA, not your own doctor. You will receive a letter telling you when and where to go.

The SSA will also review your work history to make sure you have paid enough Social Security taxes to be insured for disability benefits. Most people who have worked for five of the past ten years meet this requirement, but the exact rule depends on your age.

Timeline and what to expect

Most SSDI decisions take three to six months from the date you file. Some cases move faster if your medical records clearly show you cannot work. Others take longer if the SSA needs additional medical evidence or if your case is complex. You will not hear anything for several weeks after you file — this is normal and does not mean your process is being delayed.

The SSA will send you a letter with its decision. If approved, the letter will tell you how much your monthly benefit will be and when payments will start. If denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to ask for reconsideration — this means the SSA will review your case again, usually with additional medical evidence you provide.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people who are denied initially receive benefits after a hearing.

Documents the SSA will ask for

The SSA will request medical records from all doctors and hospitals you have visited for your condition. You do not need to collect these yourself — the SSA will contact them directly. However, if you know your doctors have recent test results or imaging that is important to your case, you can submit those documents yourself to speed up the process.

You will also need to provide information about your work history, including the names of employers, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years. The SSA uses this information to determine whether you have paid enough Social Security taxes to be insured for disability.

If you have received benefits from other programs — such as workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, or state disability benefits — the SSA will ask about those as well. Receiving other benefits does not disqualify you from SSDI, but the SSA needs to know about them.

What to do if your process is denied

If the SSA denies your claim, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. This means the SSA will review your case again, usually with new or additional medical evidence. To request reconsideration, complete the "Request for Reconsideration" form (SSA-561) and submit it to your local Social Security office or mail it to the address on your denial letter.

When you request reconsideration, submit any new medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors that support your claim. If your condition has worsened since you first filed, include documentation of that. The reconsideration process takes another two to three months.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 60 days. At a hearing, you can present evidence, call witnesses, and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work. Many people find it helpful to have a representative — either a lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate — at the hearing. Representatives are paid only if you win, and the fee is set by the SSA (usually 25 percent of back pay, up to $7,200).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes, you can file while working, but your earnings must be below a certain amount. In 2024, if you earn more than $1,550 per month, the SSA may determine you are able to work and deny your claim. However, you can still file and let the SSA review your medical condition. If approved, your benefits will start after a five-month waiting period.

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

The SSA pays back benefits to the date you filed your process, minus the five-month waiting period. So if you filed in January and were approved in July, you would receive back pay for February through June. The amount depends on your work history and average earnings.

What if I cannot afford a doctor to document my condition?

You do not need to pay for a doctor's visit to file for SSDI. If the SSA needs medical evidence, it will order a free exam. However, if you have medical records from past visits, those help your case move faster. Community health centers and hospital emergency rooms can provide records even if you have not paid all your bills.

Can I work while receiving SSDI?

Yes, but only in limited ways. SSDI includes a "trial work period" of nine months where you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After that, your benefits are reduced if you earn more than $1,550 per month. There are also work incentives that allow you to keep some benefits while working — ask your local Social Security office about the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program.

What if I disagree with the medical exam the SSA ordered?

You can submit a statement disagreeing with the exam results and provide your own doctor's opinion instead. The SSA will consider both the exam and your doctor's records when making a decision. You can also request a second opinion from your own doctor and submit that to the SSA.