What You Need to Do First

To explore for mental health disability, you will file with either the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or with your state's disability agency if your state runs its own program. The SSA handles most mental health disability claims in the United States. You cannot explore through your doctor, your employer, or a mental health provider — you must contact SSA directly or go through your state system.

Before you start, gather your medical records from the past 12 months. This includes psychiatric evaluations, medication lists, therapy notes, and any hospitalizations. You will also need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of all doctors and mental health providers you have seen. If you are explore for SSI (the income-based program), you will need to document your income, assets, and living situation as well.

The process itself takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is usually fastest because you avoid phone wait times and can save your progress. If you explore by phone, have your documents ready but you do not need to submit them when ready — SSA will request them after you file.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to the Social Security Administration, not to your doctor or employer, either online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office.
  • Mental health disability claims require medical records from the past 12 months, including psychiatric evaluations, medication lists, and any hospitalizations.
  • The initial process takes 20 to 40 minutes and does not require you to submit documents at the time you file — SSA requests them afterward.
  • After you file, SSA sends your case to a state disability examiner who reviews your medical evidence and makes an initial decision within 30 to 90 days.
  • If SSA denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or appeal to an administrative law judge, and many people are approved on appeal.

explore Online at SSA.gov

Go to ssa.gov and click "explore for Disability" in the top menu. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The system will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. You will then answer questions about your work history, your medical conditions, and when your condition began to prevent you from working.

When the form asks about your condition, describe what you cannot do rather than naming a diagnosis. For example, instead of writing "depression," write "I cannot concentrate for more than 15 minutes, I have panic attacks three times a week that last 30 minutes, and I have not been able to work since March 2023." Be specific about how your symptoms affect your ability to sit, stand, remember instructions, interact with others, or handle stress. The examiner needs to understand the impact on your functioning, not just the label.

At the end of the online form, you will see a list of doctors and providers you have seen. Add all of them — SSA will contact them directly to request records. You do not need to have the records yourself. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. SSA will contact you within 5 to 10 business days to confirm they received your process.

explore by Phone or in Person

If you call 1-800-772-1213, have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors ready. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You do not need to have medical records in front of you — just tell SSA which providers to contact. After the call, you will receive a confirmation number by mail within 5 to 7 days.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices accept applications without an appointment. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and a photo ID. If you bring a list of your doctors and dates of treatment, the process moves faster, but it is not required. The office staff will fill out the form with you and give you a confirmation number on the spot.

What Happens After You File

SSA sends your case to a state disability examiner within 2 to 5 business days. The examiner reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets SSA's definition of disability — meaning you cannot do any work for at least 12 months or your condition is expected to result in death. For mental health claims, the examiner looks at whether your symptoms prevent you from following instructions, handling stress, interacting with coworkers, or maintaining consistent attendance.

The examiner may request additional medical evidence from your providers. If your records are incomplete or outdated, SSA will ask your doctors to provide more detail. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the timeline. You can speed this up by contacting your providers yourself and asking them to send records directly to SSA. Include your confirmation number in any request you make to your doctors.

SSA will mail you a decision letter within 30 to 90 days of filing. The letter will say "approved," "denied," or "approved for a different reason than you stated." If approved, it will tell you when benefits start and how much you will receive. If denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration or appeal.

If Your Claim Is Denied

About 65 to 70 percent of initial mental health disability claims are denied. This does not mean you are ineligible — it often means SSA needs more recent or detailed medical evidence. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This is a free second review by a different examiner who will look at your case again, usually with new medical records you provide.

To request reconsideration, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Tell them you want to request reconsideration and provide any new medical evidence — recent therapy notes, a new psychiatric evaluation, or updated medication records. Many people are approved on reconsideration because the additional records show the severity of their condition more clearly.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can appeal to an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a hearing before a judge who is independent of SSA. You can represent yourself or hire a disability lawyer. Many people are approved at the hearing stage because they can explain their condition in person and the judge can ask questions. The hearing usually happens 6 to 12 months after you request it.

Working With a Disability Lawyer

You do not need a lawyer to explore for disability, but many people hire one after a denial. Disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000) only if you win. You pay nothing upfront. Lawyers can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case to a judge.

To find a disability lawyer, search the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) directory at nosscr.org or ask your local legal aid office for a referral. Many lawyers offer free consultations. If you cannot afford a lawyer, your state's legal aid office may represent you for free if your income is low enough.

Documents You Will Need

Gather these documents before you explore or have them ready when SSA asks:

  • Social Security card or number
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID)
  • Medical records from the past 12 months (psychiatric evaluations, therapy notes, medication lists)
  • Records of any hospitalizations or emergency room visits for mental health
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors and mental health providers
  • Dates you saw each provider
  • For SSI claims: proof of income, bank statements, and documentation of living situation

You do not need to collect all of these yourself. SSA will contact your providers and request records directly. However, having them ready speeds up the process. If you have records your providers may not have on file — such as notes from a therapist you saw years ago — include those too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my disability claim is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from disability. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), SSA may decide you are able to work and deny your claim. If you are working part-time or earning less than that amount, report your income to SSA. If approved, you can continue working under the trial work period, which allows you to earn any amount for 9 months without losing benefits.

How long does it take to get approved?

Initial decisions usually come within 30 to 90 days. If SSA needs more medical records, it can take up to 120 days. If you are denied and appeal to a hearing, the entire process from filing to hearing decision can take 1 to 2 years. However, if you are approved, benefits are usually paid within 2 to 3 weeks of the approval letter.

What if I have been out of work for more than a year already?

You can still explore. SSA does not have a time limit on how long you have been unable to work. However, you will need medical records documenting your condition throughout the period you have been out of work. If your records have gaps, ask your providers to write a statement explaining your ongoing symptoms and limitations.

Do I need a specific diagnosis to be approved?

No. SSA does not approve or deny based on diagnosis alone. They look at what you cannot do. Someone with bipolar disorder might be approved if their symptoms prevent them from working, while someone with the same diagnosis might be denied if their symptoms are controlled by medication and do not limit their functioning. Focus your process on your limitations, not your diagnosis.

What if I cannot afford to wait for a decision?

You can request an expedited review if you are in financial hardship, but SSA rarely grants this. Instead, look into state disability programs, local mental health crisis funds, or temporary information programs while you wait. Your local 211 service can tell you what emergency funds are available in your area. You can also ask your doctor's office about patient information programs for medications.