SSD applications are taken at all local Social Security district offices. They may also be filed by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or they may be filed online by going to www.ssa.gov/disability/ and following the links to the application page.

It generally takes Social Security two to four months to make an initial determination on new claims for SSD. Much of that time is spent collecting and analyzing the applicant's own medical records. It is not uncommon for Social Security to also require an applicant to undergo an examination by one or more of its own doctors, who will provide a separate evaluation of the applicant's medical condition. 

After evaluating all of these reports, Social Security sends a written notice to the applicant stating whether the claim is approved or denied.

Most applicants--including many who are truly disabled--are denied initially. Applicants whose claims are denied have a right to a hearing; however, they must file a hearing request within 60 days of the date they receive a denial notice. Hearing requests may be filed in person, by phone, or online, as described above.

In almost every instance, the hearing is the most critical stage of an SSD case. Most applicants for SSD must go to a hearing before benefits are awarded. Given the large number of claims that are improperly denied initially, almost any applicant whose claim is denied would be foolish not to consider requesting a hearing.