Why the SSA Conducts Phone Interviews

The SSA uses the phone interview to:

• Clarify answers from your initial application
• Gather more in-depth information about your work and medical history
• Ensure all necessary documentation is on file
• Explain the next steps in the SSDI process

How the Phone Interview Works in Idaho

1. Scheduling – You’ll receive a notice in the mail with the date and time of your interview, or you may get a call directly from your local SSA office to schedule it.
2. Caller Verification – At the start, the representative will verify your identity by asking for personal details like your date of birth and Social Security number.
3. Question Session – The SSA will ask about:
4. Your work history over the past 15 years
5. Your education and training
6. Your medical diagnoses, symptoms, and treatments
7. How your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities
8. Document Requests – They may request additional medical records, employer information, or other evidence after the call.
9. Duration – Most phone interviews last between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the complexity of your case.

How to Prepare for Your SSDI Phone Interview

• Gather your information: Have your Social Security number, doctor’s contact information, medications list, and work history details ready.
• Be specific: Clearly describe how your condition limits your daily functioning, not just the diagnosis.
• Keep records handy: Have copies of any medical reports or prior SSA correspondence in front of you during the call.
• Stay honest and consistent: The SSA will cross-check your answers with your medical records.

Common Questions You Might Hear

• When did your disability begin?
• Have you tried working since becoming disabled?
• What daily activities are difficult for you?
• How often do you visit your doctor, and what treatments have you received?
• Do you have any income or benefits from other sources?

After the Phone Interview

The SSA will review the information from your call along with your medical and work records. You may receive requests for further documentation or be scheduled for a consultative exam with a doctor hired by the SSA. Expect to wait several weeks or months for an initial decision.