What Form You Need and Where to Get It
The main form for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is Form SSA-16, officially called the "process for Disability Insurance Benefits." You can get it three ways: read it from ssa.gov, request it by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or walk into your local Social Security office and pick up a copy in person.
If you are filing on behalf of someone else — a child, a spouse, or an adult who cannot manage the paperwork — you will also need Form SSA-16-BK, the "process for Disability Insurance Benefits — Statement Regarding Your Work." This form asks about your work history and medical condition in more detail than the main form.
You do not have to print and mail the form. Social Security lets you start the process online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, which walks you through the questions step by step. Many people find this easier than filling out paper forms, because the website explains what each question means as you go.
Key Takeaways
- Form SSA-16 is the official Social Security Disability process, available as a printable PDF, by phone, or online at ssa.gov.
- You will need to list your medical conditions, the date they began, and the names and addresses of all doctors who have treated you.
- Social Security will ask for your complete work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, employers, and dates you worked.
- You can file the form online, by mail, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office — online is usually fastest.
- After you submit, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office, which takes several months to review.
Personal Information and Medical History Section
The first part of the form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. Have your Social Security card handy, though you do not need to mail it in — Social Security already has your number on file.
Next comes the medical section. You will list every condition that prevents you from working. Be specific: instead of writing "back pain," write "degenerative disc disease in lumbar spine" or whatever your diagnosis actually is. Social Security needs the medical name, not a general description.
For each condition, write the date it began. If you are not sure of the exact date, give your best estimate — the month and year is enough. Then list the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, clinic, or mental health provider who has treated you for that condition. Include dates you saw them if you remember them.
Work History and Earnings Information
Social Security needs to know what you have earned and when. The form asks for your work history going back 15 years. For each job, write the employer's name, the job title, the dates you worked there (month and year), and how much you earned per month or per year.
If you are self-employed or own a business, write that down too, along with the type of business and your net monthly income. Social Security uses this information to figure out whether you paid enough in payroll taxes to be covered under the disability program.
If you have not worked in the past 15 years, or if you have had many jobs, write down as much as you remember. You do not have to be perfect — Social Security can look up your earnings record using your Social Security number. But the more you provide, the faster the process moves.
Functional Limitations and Daily Activities
Social Security wants to understand how your conditions affect what you can do. The form asks whether you can sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, see, hear, and concentrate. For each activity, explain what your limits are.
For example, if you have arthritis in your hands, you might write: "Cannot grip or hold objects for more than 10 minutes. Cannot type or write for extended periods." If you have a mental health condition, describe how it affects your ability to focus, follow instructions, or be around other people.
This section is important because Social Security is not just looking at your diagnosis — they are looking at whether the diagnosis prevents you from doing any kind of work. Be honest about what you actually cannot do, not what you find difficult.
Medical Evidence You Will Need to Gather
Social Security will request medical records directly from your doctors, but you can speed things up by gathering them yourself. Collect recent test results, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), lab work, and notes from your doctors about your condition and how it limits your activities.
If you have not seen a doctor in a while, or if your condition is not well-documented, consider scheduling an appointment before you file. Social Security makes decisions based on medical evidence, and if your records are thin or outdated, they may deny your case and ask you to reapply later with newer information.
You do not need to mail medical records with your process. Social Security will contact your providers directly. But if you have records at home, you can include them with your form to make the review faster.
How to Submit Your process
The fastest way to file is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The website saves your progress, so you can stop and come back later if you need to gather more information. You will get a confirmation number when you finish, and you can check the status of your case online using that number.
If you prefer to mail the form, print it, sign it, and mail it to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Mail takes longer than online filing, so expect a delay.
You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to file over the phone. A Social Security representative will ask you the questions from the form and fill it out for you. This works well if you have questions as you go, but the phone lines are often busy.
Filing in person at your local Social Security office is an option too. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and any medical records you have. An office worker will help you complete the form and submit it on the spot.
What Happens After You Submit
After you file, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services office. This is a separate agency that reviews medical evidence and decides whether you meet the definition of disability under Social Security rules.
The review usually takes three to five months, though it can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if the office is backlogged. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you have been approved or denied. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.
If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. The letter will explain how to request reconsideration within 60 days. Many people are denied the first time and approved on appeal, so a denial is not the end of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file the process if I am still working?
Yes. Social Security does not require you to stop working before you file. However, if you are earning more than a certain amount per month (the limit changes each year), Social Security may determine that you are not disabled. The form asks about your current work, so be honest about what you are doing and earning.
What if I do not remember all my doctors' names and addresses?
Write down the ones you do remember, and Social Security will track down the rest. If you saw a doctor at a hospital or clinic, you can call that facility and ask for the doctor's name. Social Security can also request records from your state's medical board if needed, though it takes longer.
Do I need a lawyer to fill out the form?
No. The form is designed for you to fill out yourself, and Social Security staff can answer questions if you call. However, many people hire a disability lawyer or representative to help with the process and appeals process. You only pay them if you win, and the fee is capped by law.
What if my condition got worse after I filed?
Tell Social Security in writing. Send a letter to your local office explaining what has changed and include new medical records if you have them. This information will be added to your case file and considered during the review.
Can I file online if I do not have a computer?
Yes. You can use a computer at a library, a friend's house, or a Social Security office. You can also file by phone or mail instead. All three methods work — online is just faster.