Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming, and one of the most critical steps is submitting medical records to SSA correctly. The Social Security Administration (SSA) relies on this evidence to evaluate your claim, so knowing the right way to submit records can make a big difference in your case.

This guide will walk you through all the methods of submitting medical records to the SSA, what types of evidence they require, and best practices to avoid delays or denials.

Why Medical Records Matter in SSA Disability Claims

The SSA doesn’t just take your word about your medical condition; it requires objective medical evidence. This evidence is the foundation of your case and helps SSA understand the severity, duration, and impact of your condition on your ability to work.

What Counts as Medical Evidence?

• Doctor’s Treatment Notes: Document your ongoing symptoms, diagnoses, and responses to treatment.
• Hospital and Clinic Records: Capture emergency visits, surgeries, and specialist consultations.
• Lab Results and Imaging Scans: Provide measurable proof of your condition, such as blood tests, MRIs, or X-rays.
• Specialist Reports: Offer expert medical opinions that carry significant weight in SSA evaluations.
• Therapy or Rehabilitation Notes: Show how your condition affects daily function and your progress (or lack thereof) in recovery.

Why Records Are So Important

• They Establish Credibility. SSA bases its decisions on facts, not personal statements. Medical records provide the concrete evidence needed to verify your claim.
• They Demonstrate Severity. Disability benefits aren’t granted for minor or short-term issues. Records help prove that your condition is serious and long-lasting.
• They Show Consistency. Multiple providers documenting the same symptoms and limitations strengthen your case.
• They Fill Gaps In Your Application. Even if you explain your condition in detail, SSA examiners need professional medical confirmation.

Consequences of Missing Evidence

Incomplete or missing records are one of the top reasons disability applications get delayed or denied. If SSA can’t find enough evidence in your file, they may:

• Order a consultative examination (CE) with one of their contracted doctors, which can delay your claim.
• Deny your application outright for lack of sufficient medical proof.

Submitting strong, complete, and up-to-date medical evidence upfront helps SSA make a fair and timely decision on your claim. It also reduces the likelihood of unnecessary delays, repeat requests for documentation, or outright denials.

1. Using SSA’s Electronic Records Express (ERE)

One of the fastest and most secure ways to submit medical records is through Electronic Records Express (ERE).

What is ERE?

ERE is an online system that allows medical providers, schools, attorneys, and other professionals to submit records directly to the SSA or Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Benefits of ERE

• Secure and faster than mailing
• Cost-effective (no printing or postage)
• Automatic routing with barcodes
• Confirmation of receipt

Who Can Use It?

• Medical providers
• Schools (for child disability cases)
• Attorneys and representatives

Technical Details

• Accepted formats: PDF, TIFF
• File size limits apply
• Barcode coversheets must be used for correct routing

How to Register

If you are a medical provider or representative:

• Call the SSA ERE Help Desk (1‑866‑691‑3061)
• Email ere.helpdesk@ssa.gov
• Request access and login credentials

2. Submitting Records via MySSA “Upload Documents”

Another convenient option for claimants is the Upload Documents feature in your MySSA account.

• Log in to your account
• Select “Upload Documents”
• Attach your medical records
• Submit securely online

If you run into technical issues, you can call SSA’s support line for help. This method is especially helpful for claimants who have digital copies of their records.

3. Mailing or Dropping Off Records

If you prefer or need to submit records offline, you can mail or hand-deliver them.

Mailing

• Mail to your local SSA office or the DDS handling your claim
• Never write your SSN directly on originals; instead, write it on a separate cover sheet
• Always keep copies for yourself

In-Person Submission

• You can drop off records at your local SSA office
• Staff will review and scan them into your file
• Originals are usually returned

Always ask for a receipt or confirmation that your documents were received.

4. What Medical Evidence SSA Needs

The SSA wants objective medical evidence, not just symptoms. That means records that show signs, test results, and professional observations over time. The more complete and consistent your file is, the easier it is for SSA to see the full picture.

Gather records from every provider who treats you: primary care, specialists, urgent care, ER, physical therapy, pain clinics, and mental health. SSA looks for a timeline, not a one-off visit. Ongoing treatment notes carry weight, especially when they show how your condition limits you day to day.

This usually includes:

• Treatment notes from all your doctors (office visits, medication changes, responses to care)
  
  
• Test results (X-rays, MRIs, CTs, EMGs, bloodwork) with the radiologist’s or lab interpretation
  
  
• Hospital records (admissions, operative reports, and discharge summaries)
  
  
• Specialist evaluations (cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, rheumatology, etc.)
  
  
• Mental health records (therapy and psychiatry notes, diagnoses, medications, and progress)
  
  

Functional evidence helps too: physical therapy notes, assistive device prescriptions, pain scores, and any work restrictions your doctor has given. If a provider can complete an RFC (residual functional capacity) form that’s consistent with the records, that can be powerful support.

Aim for a longitudinal record, ideally covering at least 12 months, showing diagnosis, treatment, response, and limits. Note medication side effects. Keep a simple list of providers with addresses and dates of treatment to speed things up.

And don’t wait to apply if you’re missing something. Once you sign SSA’s medical release (SSA-827), SSA can request records directly from your providers. You can keep sending in anything new as it comes in.

5. Authorizing SSA to Obtain Records (Form SSA‑827)

When you apply, you’ll sign Form SSA‑827, which permits SSA to request records directly from your medical providers.

• This helps SSA gather records on your behalf
• It reduces the burden on you to collect everything
• However, submitting your own copies can speed up the process

6. Your Responsibilities as a Claimant

Even though SSA will request records, you still have an ongoing responsibility to:

• List all of your medical providers accurately
• Submit any new evidence that comes in after your application
• Keep your records organized and up to date

Failing to provide complete information is one of the most common reasons claims are denied.

7. Compassionate Allowances and Accelerated Processing

Some conditions qualify for Compassionate Allowance (CAL), a program that speeds up disability claims for people with the most serious conditions (such as certain cancers, ALS, and rare diseases).

• SSA may also use Health IT records to electronically pull medical evidence
• Submitting your records promptly can further accelerate the process

Best Practices for Submitting Medical Records

To improve your chances of a smooth approval process:

• Submit records as early as possible
• Use ERE or MySSA for faster delivery
• Always keep copies for your own files
• Double-check that all providers are listed
• Provide recent records (within the last 12 months)

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Submitting medical records to the SSA is one of the most important parts of your disability claim. It doesn’t matter whether you use Electronic Records Express, your mySSA upload, or traditional mail, the key is the same: make your evidence complete, organized, and on time.

If that feels like a lot, you don’t have to do it alone. Disability Attorney Services LLC can gather your records, work with your doctors on supportive statements, organize and upload evidence through ERE, and track every deadline so nothing slips. The goal is simple: help SSA make a faster, more accurate decision, and reduce avoidable delays.

Have questions about what to send or how to send it? Get clear answers today. Contact Disability Attorney Services LLC for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation and map the best next step.