# How do I apply for SSDI? Last updated Jul 19, 2026 Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/steward Published by SSDI Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0 — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/license You can apply for SSDI three ways: online at ssa.gov/apply, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a local Social Security field office (appointments recommended). ## What the government has said, on the record > "People may apply for disability benefits online, by telephone, or in person at a Social Security field office." — **Linda Kerr-Davis**, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Social Security Administration (career SSA executive; also Regional Commissioner), [Testimony before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security](https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_102623.html), October 26, 2023. Who said this: - https://www.ssa.gov/apply - https://www.ssa.gov/disability *Editor's note: Quote supports the three application channels; the documents-needed detail in the answer comes from SSA''s Adult Disability Starter Kit, not this quote.* You can apply for SSDI three ways: online at ssa.gov/apply, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a local Social Security field office (appointments recommended). You will need your Social Security number, proof of age, names/dosages/dates for your medical treatment (doctors, hospitals, clinics, medications, test results), a work history for roughly the last 15 years, and your most recent W-2 or self-employment tax return; SSA's Adult Disability Starter Kit lists the full checklist. SSA will help you obtain missing documents, so you should not delay filing while gathering paperwork. You can apply for SSDI three ways: online at ssa.gov/apply, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a local Social Security field office (appointments recommended). ## How do I apply for SSDI? You will need your Social Security number, proof of age, names/dosages/dates for your medical treatment (doctors, hospitals, clinics, medications, test results), a work history for roughly the last 15 years, and your most recent W-2 or self-employment tax return; SSA's Adult Disability Starter Kit lists the full checklist. SSA will help you obtain missing documents, so you should not delay filing while gathering paperwork. ## Where to verify See the official source cited in the quote block above, and SSA's own program pages at [ssa.gov/disability](https://www.ssa.gov/disability). Program dollar amounts change annually with the cost-of-living adjustment. ## Sources - Testimony before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security — https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_102623.html - SSA — Disability Benefits — https://www.ssa.gov/disability --- Canonical URL: https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-to-apply-for-ssdi Publisher: SSDI Direct Answers — a product of Adolicious LLC Published: 2026-07-20T16:00:00+00:00 Modified: 2026-07-19T00:29:27.066306+00:00 License: Citation License 1.0 — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/license © 2026 Adolicious LLC. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: SSDI Direct Answers is a private informational website. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. For official information visit ssa.gov.