The Basic Path to Filing

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) by submitting a claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can start the process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The SSA will ask for medical records, work history, and details about how your condition limits your ability to work. After you file, the SSA sends your case to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office, which makes the decision about whether you meet their definition of disability.

The entire process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer. You will not hear back when ready. The SSA will contact you if they need more information or medical records. During this time, you can continue working, though your earnings above a certain amount may affect your case if you are still in your working years.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office — all three routes lead to the same decision process.
  • You will need recent medical records from your doctors, a list of medications, and documentation of your work history going back at least 15 years.
  • The SSA sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office, which decides whether you meet the medical criteria for disability.
  • The decision process usually takes three to six months, and the SSA will contact you if they need more information.
  • If you are denied, you can request reconsideration, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.

What Documents and Information You Need Before You File

Gather these items before you start: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your W-2 forms or tax returns for the past two years. You will also need a complete list of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you, the dates of those treatments, and the names of your medications with dosages.

Medical records are the most important part of your case. The SSA does not take your word for your condition — they need documentation from your treating physicians. If you have not seen a doctor recently, consider scheduling an appointment before you file. The SSA looks at records from the past three months, so current medical evidence strengthens your case. If you cannot afford to see a doctor, some community health centers offer services on a sliding fee scale.

You should also write down a brief history of your work — the jobs you have held, the years you worked in each, and what you did in those jobs. The SSA uses this to understand what kind of work you were capable of doing before your condition began.

Filing Online, by Phone, or In Person

Online filing is the fastest route if you have all your documents ready. Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes and saves your progress, so you can come back to it. Once you submit, the SSA will send you a confirmation number and tell you what happens next.

Filing by phone takes about 30 minutes. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your documents nearby when you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will tell you what medical records to send in afterward. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

Filing in person at your local Social Security office means you can bring documents with you and hand them over directly. This can be useful if you have trouble with technology or need help understanding the questions. Call ahead to schedule an appointment — walk-ins are possible but may mean a longer wait. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.

What Happens After You File

Within a few days of filing, the SSA will send you a notice confirming that your claim was received. This notice includes a claim number you should keep for your records. The SSA will then request your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This can take two to four weeks.

Once the SSA has your records, they send your entire case file to your state's Disability information Services office. This is a state agency that works with the SSA. A disability examiner at DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability. They may also order a consultative examination — a medical evaluation paid for by the SSA — if they need more recent information.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits begin and how much your monthly payment will be. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

Understanding the SSA's Definition of Disability

The SSA has a specific definition of disability that is stricter than many people expect. You must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing any substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. "Substantial work" means earning more than a certain amount per month — in 2024, that amount is $1,550, though this changes yearly.

The SSA does not award benefits based on age, pain alone, or a diagnosis. They look at what your condition actually prevents you from doing. If you have arthritis, for example, the SSA examines whether it prevents you from standing, gripping, or lifting — not just whether you have arthritis. If you can still do some kind of work, even if it is not the work you did before, you may be denied.

The SSA also considers your age, education, and work history. If you are over 55 and have only done physical labor, the SSA may find that you cannot do other work. If you are under 50 and have office skills, they may find that you can do desk work even if your condition prevents physical work.

What to Do If You Are Denied

If your claim is denied, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. Reconsideration means a different examiner at DDS reviews your case from the beginning. You can submit new medical records or additional information about how your condition affects your ability to work. Many people who are denied on their first try are approved on reconsideration, especially if they have gathered more recent medical evidence.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present your case in person or by phone, and a judge makes the decision. You can bring a representative — a disability advocate, attorney, or someone you trust — to help you. Many people are approved at the hearing stage.

The entire appeal process can take one to three years, depending on how busy your local hearing office is. During this time, you can continue to work and earn income. If you eventually win your case, back pay is calculated from the date you originally filed, not from the date of the hearing decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my claim is being decided?

Yes. You can work and earn income while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than the substantial gainful activity amount (currently $1,550 per month in 2024), the SSA may use that as evidence that you are capable of work. Keep records of your earnings and any limitations you face at work — these can help your case.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI?

No. You can file on your own without paying anyone. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing, many people find it helpful to have a representative. Disability lawyers and advocates work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay only if you win — typically 25 percent, capped at $6,000.

How much will my monthly benefit be?

Your benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings record, not on how severe your disability is. The SSA calculates an average of your highest-earning years and pays you a percentage of that amount. You can see an estimate of your benefit by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov.

What if I have already been denied for regular disability benefits?

If you were denied regular Social Security Disability Insurance, you may still be able to file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a separate program for people with low income and limited resources. SSI has different rules and may be a better fit depending on your situation. Contact the SSA to ask about SSI.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If you are approved, your benefits typically begin the month after the SSA makes the decision. Your first payment arrives in the following month. So if you are approved in June, benefits start in July, and you receive your first payment in August. The SSA will tell you the exact dates in your approval letter.