Where to check your child's process status

You can check the status of your child's SSDI process in three ways: by calling Social Security directly, by visiting a local Social Security office in person, or by creating a my Social Security account online if you have the child's Social Security number and access to their email.

The fastest method is usually a phone call to Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213. Have your child's Social Security number ready. You can also call the specific Social Security office that is handling the process — you should have received the office's phone number in the letter Social Security sent when the process was received.

If you prefer to visit in person, find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your child's Social Security card, a photo ID for yourself, and any documents related to the process. Walk-in visits are possible, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your child's Social Security number to get an when ready status update.
  • The status letter Social Security sent when your process was received includes a specific office phone number you can call for faster service.
  • You can create a my Social Security account online to check status anytime, though you will need your child's Social Security number and access to set up an email address.
  • Processing time for a child's SSDI process is typically 60 to 90 days, but can take longer if Social Security requests additional medical records or information.
  • If your process is denied, Social Security will send a written notice explaining the reason and your right to request reconsideration within 60 days.

What information you need to check status by phone

When you call, have your child's Social Security number available. The representative will ask for it to pull up the process. You will also need to confirm your relationship to the child — whether you are a parent, legal guardian, or representative payee.

If you are calling on behalf of someone else (for example, if you are a grandparent or other relative), Social Security may ask you to provide proof of your authority to inquire about the process. This can be a guardianship order, power of attorney, or a letter from the parent authorizing you to check status. Having this ready before you call will speed up the process.

Using my Social Security to check status online

If you have created a my Social Security account for your child, you can log in anytime to see the status of the process. To set up an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need your child's Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address.

Once logged in, select "Benefit applications" or "My applications" (the exact wording varies). The page will show any pending applications, including SSDI, and display the current status. This method works 24 hours a day and does not require you to wait on hold or visit an office.

If you cannot create an account online — for example, if your child is very young and does not have an email address — you can still call or visit in person. Social Security does not require an online account to check status.

What the status updates actually mean

Social Security uses several status labels. "process received" means the form was submitted and is in the queue. "Under review" or "Being processed" means a caseworker is examining the medical evidence and other documents. "Pending decision" usually means the caseworker is waiting for additional records from your child's doctor or hospital.

If the status says "Pending your response," Social Security is waiting for you to send something — often a form, a medical record, or clarification about your child's condition. Check the letter or notice that came with this status update; it will specify what is needed and when to send it.

A status of "Decision made" means the process has been approved or denied. You should receive a written notice in the mail within a few days. If you see this status online but have not received a letter, call to confirm the decision and ask when the letter will arrive.

How long the process typically takes

Most SSDI applications for children are decided within 60 to 90 days of submission. However, this timeline can stretch if Social Security needs to request medical records from your child's doctors, if the medical evidence is unclear, or if the case is complex.

If your child's process has been under review for more than 90 days, call Social Security to ask whether they are waiting for additional information from you or from a medical provider. Sometimes a straightforward phone call can move a stalled process forward — for example, if a doctor's office has not yet sent records, Social Security can contact them directly on your behalf.

What to do if the status does not change

If the status has remained the same for more than two weeks and you were not told to expect a delay, call Social Security to ask what is happening. Bring the process receipt letter (the one Social Security sent when your process was received) so you have the office phone number and process number ready.

Ask the representative specifically: "What is holding up the decision?" and "What do you need from me to move forward?" If they say they are waiting for medical records, ask them to contact the doctor's office directly rather than waiting for you to follow up. If they say they need information from you, ask for the request in writing so you have a record of the important date.

After approval or denial

If your child's process is approved, the written notice will explain the monthly benefit amount and when payments will begin. Payments typically start the month after approval is finalized. You will receive a separate notice about how to set up direct deposit or receive payments by check.

If your child's process is denied, the notice will explain the reason — usually that the medical evidence does not show the child meets Social Security's definition of disability, or that the condition is not expected to last 12 months or result in death. You have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. This means Social Security will review the case again, often with new medical evidence you provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my child's process status if I am not the parent?

Yes, but Social Security may ask for proof of your authority. If you are a legal guardian, bring the guardianship order. If you are a representative payee or have power of attorney, bring that document. If you are a relative without formal authority, the parent may need to call first and authorize you to inquire.

What if I lost the letter with the process number?

You do not need the process number to call. straightforward provide your child's Social Security number and date of birth. The representative will find the process in the system. If you want to look it up online, you will need to create a my Social Security account, which also does not require the process number.

How often should I check the status?

Checking once every two weeks is reasonable. Checking daily will not speed up the decision. If you have not heard anything in 90 days, that is a good time to call and ask what is happening or what Social Security needs from you.

Will calling Social Security multiple times speed up my child's process?

No. Multiple calls do not move applications faster and may actually slow them down if the caseworker spends time answering phone calls instead of reviewing the file. One call to ask what is needed and when to expect a decision is usually enough.

What if Social Security says they need medical records but my child's doctor has not sent them?

Ask Social Security to contact the doctor's office directly. Provide the office name, phone number, and fax number. Social Security can send a formal request that often gets faster results than waiting for you to follow up. You can also call the doctor's office yourself and ask them to send the records to Social Security as soon as possible.