What happens when you request disability benefits

When you request Social Security disability benefits, you send the Social Security Administration (SSA) medical evidence and work history to show you cannot work because of a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA reviews your case and decides whether to approve or deny your request. The process typically takes three to five months, though some cases take longer.

You do not need a lawyer to request benefits, but you will need to gather documents: medical records from your doctors, a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, and proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal residency. The SSA has three main programs — Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for workers with a work history, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people with limited income and resources, and Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits for adults disabled before age 22 whose parent receives or received Social Security.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request benefits 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 showing your condition, a list of your past jobs, and proof of your age and citizenship or legal residency.
  • SSDI requires a work history; SSI is for people with low income and few resources; DAC is for adults disabled before age 22 whose parent receives Social Security.
  • If the SSA denies your request, you can ask for reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge, then further appeals.
  • You may receive a decision in three to five months, but some cases take longer, especially if you appeal.

Requesting benefits online through your Social Security account

The fastest way to request is through ssa.gov if you already have a Social Security account. Log in, go to "Benefits," and select "Request Benefits." The online form asks for your medical history, work history, and contact information. You can save your progress and return later if you need time to gather documents.

After you submit the form, the SSA sends you a notice with a case number. You will then receive requests for specific medical records. You can upload documents directly through your account or mail them to the address the SSA provides. Keep your case number handy — you will need it for any phone calls or office visits.

If you do not have a Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov. You will need your email address, a password, and a way to verify your identity — usually a mobile phone number or a credit card.

Requesting benefits by phone or in person

You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors and hospitals ready. The SSA representative will ask questions about your medical condition and work history and will tell you what documents to send.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, green card, or visa). Bring medical records if you have them, though the SSA can request them later. Offices are busiest early in the week and early in the morning, so consider calling ahead to ask about wait times.

Documents the SSA will ask for

The SSA needs medical evidence that shows your condition prevents you from working. This means recent records from your doctors — typically from the past three months, though older records help too. Bring or send:

  • Doctor's notes and test results (X-rays, blood work, imaging)
  • Hospital discharge summaries if you have been hospitalized
  • Mental health treatment records if your condition is psychiatric
  • Medication lists with dates you started each drug
  • Records from specialists (cardiologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, etc.)

The SSA also needs your work history. List every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, dates you worked, and what you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. The SSA uses this history to decide which program you may be may be able to access for and to calculate your benefit amount.

You will also need proof of your age (birth certificate), Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or visa). If you are married, bring your marriage certificate. If you have been divorced, bring the divorce decree.

What the SSA looks for when reviewing your case

The SSA sends your medical records to a doctor or psychologist called a disability examiner. This examiner reviews whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability: you cannot do the work you did before, you cannot adjust to other work because of your condition, and your condition will last at least 12 months or result in death.

The examiner also considers your age, education, and work skills. A 58-year-old with a high school diploma and a history of manual labor may be found disabled even if a 35-year-old with the same condition would not be, because the older person has fewer options for retraining. The SSA publishes a list of conditions that automatically meet the disability standard — if your condition is on that list and your medical records match the criteria, approval is more likely.

The SSA does not require you to be unable to work at all. You can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024; this amount changes yearly) and still be considered disabled. If you earn more than that, the SSA may find you are not disabled.

What to do if the SSA denies your request

If the SSA denies your request, you receive a notice explaining why. You have 60 days from the date of that notice to ask for reconsideration. This means a different examiner reviews your case, usually with new medical evidence you provide.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify. You can bring a lawyer or representative, though you do not have to. Many people find a representative helpful at this stage — representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee comes from your back pay.

If the judge denies your case, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court. Each step takes several months. Many people are approved at the hearing stage even if they were denied twice before, so do not give up after an initial denial.

How much you may receive and when payments start

The amount you receive depends on which program you are approved for and your earnings history. SSDI payments are based on your past earnings — the more you earned and the longer you worked, the higher your payment. SSI payments are a set federal amount, currently $943 per month for an individual (in 2024; this amount changes yearly), though some states add extra money.

Payments usually begin the month after you are approved, though some cases have a waiting period. SSDI has a five-month waiting period, meaning your first payment covers the sixth month after your disability began. SSI has no waiting period. If you are approved after you request benefits, you may receive back pay — a lump sum covering the months between when you requested and when you were approved.

Once you are receiving benefits, you must report any changes: if you start working, if your medical condition improves, if you move, or if your contact information changes. The SSA can reduce or stop your benefits if you no longer meet the disability standard or if your income changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request benefits if I am still working?

Yes. You can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) and still request benefits. If you earn more than that, the SSA will likely find you are not disabled. You can request while working and see what the SSA decides.

Do I need a lawyer to request benefits?

No. You can request on your own. A lawyer or representative can help, especially if you are denied and need to appeal. Representatives are paid only if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay, not from you upfront.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions usually take three to five months. If you appeal, reconsideration takes two to three months, and a hearing can take one to two years depending on how busy the judge's office is. Some cases move faster or slower depending on how much medical evidence you have.

What if I disagree with the SSA's decision about my medical condition?

You can request reconsideration and send new medical records. At a hearing, you can bring your own doctor to testify or submit a detailed letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot work. The judge will consider all the evidence.

Can I request benefits for my child?

If your child is under 19 (or 19 if still in high school) and you receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your child may be may be able to access for child benefits on your record. This is different from requesting disability for your child. Contact the SSA to learn about child benefits.