How to file a claim for SSDI or SSI

File your claim for disability payments without delay, even if you don't possess all the required information.

Apply today! 

Who do I contact?

If you believe you might be eligible for disability payments, there are several steps you can take to initiate the process:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration: To begin the application for benefits, reach out to the Social Security Administration either by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security Office.

2. Online Application: If you prefer to apply online for either SSDI or SSI benefits, you can do so by visiting the official website at ssa.gov.

3. Check Case Status: For updates on your case status, you can contact the Vocational Disability Examiner (VDE) as indicated in the introductory claimant letter you receive.

4. Seek Assistance: If you require assistance during the application process, whether from a family member, caseworker, or another representative, they can contact Social Security on your behalf.

To expedite the decision-making process, it's crucial to provide the following information and documents:

• Your Social Security Number
• Medical records from your healthcare providers, including doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers
• Laboratory and test results
• Contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers) of your healthcare providers
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Employment history, including the names of your employers and descriptions of your job duties for the past 15 years
• If you are filing for a child, you will also need to provide school records related to your child's disability.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  You should not delay filing your disability claim, even if you don't have all the requested information on hand. To locate the nearest Social Security Office to you, please use the provided resources.

Find the Social Security Office closest to you 

What documentation is required?

Medical Information

Vocational Information, if necessary that includes

• A history of all work performed in the 15 years prior to determination
• A description of the physical demands and skill requirements for each job
• Educational history

When all required medical and vocational information is received, the disability examiner and staff physician and/or psychologist carefully evaluate each claim, using a sequential evaluation process.

Where can I find assistance with the documentation?

The following people or agencies can help supply the information that is needed to process a claim for disability benefits.

• Treating Physicians and Psychologists
• Clinic and Hospital records
• School records (IEP, IQ evaluations, etc.)
• Consultative Examinations authorized by the DDS
  - by panel physicians and psychologists
  - by attending physicians and psychologists
• Non-physician health care professionals
• Observations by friends, relatives, acquaintances.