How Social Security tells you about your SSDI decision
Social Security sends you a formal notice in the mail when they have made a decision on your claim. This notice is the only official way to know whether you have been approved or denied. You cannot find out by calling, checking a website, or visiting an office in person — the written notice is what counts.
The notice arrives at the address you gave when you filed. It includes the decision itself, the reason for that decision, and information about what happens next. If you moved after you filed, contact Social Security to update your address so the notice reaches you.
The entire process from filing to receiving a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer. During that time, you will not hear anything unless Social Security needs more information from you.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security sends all decisions by mail to the address on file with your claim, and this letter is your only official notice of approval or denial.
- The decision notice includes the reason for the outcome and explains your next steps, including how to appeal if you were denied.
- You should receive a notice within three to six months of filing, though some cases take longer depending on how much medical evidence is needed.
- If Social Security needs more information before deciding, they will send you a letter asking for it, and you must respond within a specific timeframe or your claim may be dismissed.
- Updating your mailing address with Social Security before you move ensures you do not miss your decision notice.
What the approval notice looks like
An approval notice is titled "Notice of Award" and states that your claim has been approved. It tells you the month your benefits will start and the amount you will receive each month. It also explains whether you have a waiting period — SSDI has a five-month waiting period, meaning benefits do not start until the sixth month after your disability began.
The notice includes information about Medicare, which you become may be able to access for after you have been receiving SSDI for two years. It also lists the date your first payment will arrive and the method (direct deposit or check).
Keep this notice. You will need it to prove your SSDI status to employers, landlords, or other organizations. Social Security will not send you another copy, so store it somewhere safe.
What the denial notice looks like
A denial notice is titled "Notice of Disapproval" or "Notice of Denial" and states that your claim has been denied. It explains the specific reason — for example, that your condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, or that you earn too much money to may have access to.
The notice includes information about your right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal, though you can request an extension if you need more time. The notice explains which type of appeal to file first (usually a reconsideration) and how to file it.
Read the reason for denial carefully. Many denials are overturned on appeal, especially if you have additional medical evidence or if the initial decision missed something in your file.
When Social Security asks for more information
Before making a decision, Social Security often needs more medical records, test results, or information about your work history. They send a letter asking for this information and give you a important date to respond — usually 10 days, though you can ask for more time.
If you do not respond by the important date, Social Security may dismiss your claim or make a decision based only on what they already have. If you miss the important date, contact your local Social Security office right away to ask whether you can still submit the information.
The letter will specify exactly what they need. If you are unsure how to get the records, call Social Security and ask them to help you locate them or contact your doctor's office directly.
Tracking your claim while you wait
You can create an account on ssa.gov and use "my Social Security" to check the status of your claim. This tool shows whether Social Security has received your process and sometimes displays notes about what stage your case is in, though it does not always show real-time updates.
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who can tell you the status of your case. Have your Social Security number ready. The wait time to speak to someone is often long, especially early in the week.
Checking your status does not speed up the decision. The notice in the mail remains the only official decision.
What to do after you receive your decision
If you were approved, your first payment arrives on the date listed in the notice. Set up direct deposit if you have not already, because payments arrive faster and are more find than checks. You can change your payment method by logging into my Social Security or calling Social Security.
If you were denied and want to appeal, you must file within 60 days of the date on the notice. The notice explains how to file. You can request reconsideration (a new review of your case), ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge, or both. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney to help with an appeal.
If you were approved but believe the decision is wrong — for example, if the benefit amount seems incorrect — you can contact Social Security to ask them to review it. You have the same 60-day window to request reconsideration.
If you do not receive a notice
If three to six months have passed and you have not received a decision notice, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security number and the date you filed. Ask them to confirm that your claim is still being processed and whether they need any additional information from you.
If you moved after filing and did not update your address, Social Security may have sent the notice to your old address. Contact them when ready to update your mailing address and ask them to resend the notice or tell you the decision over the phone.
In rare cases, a notice is lost in the mail. If Social Security confirms they sent it but you never received it, ask them to send a replacement copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my SSDI decision online before the notice arrives?
The my Social Security portal sometimes shows case status updates, but it does not always display the final decision before the notice arrives in the mail. The written notice is the official decision. Checking online may show your case is "pending" or "under review" for weeks after the actual decision has been made.
What if I think the decision notice has an error in it?
Contact Social Security within 60 days of the notice date and explain what you believe is wrong. They can correct errors in the benefit amount, the start date, or other details without requiring a full appeal. If they disagree that there is an error, you can then file a formal appeal.
Do I need to do anything after I receive an approval notice?
No action is required on your part. Your benefits will start automatically on the date listed in the notice. However, you should review the notice to make sure the information is correct, and you should keep it in a safe place for your records.
How long do I have to appeal a denial?
You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. This important date is strict, though you can request a 10-day extension if you have a good reason. After 60 days, you generally cannot appeal unless you can show that Social Security's notice never reached you.
What happens if I move after I file but before I get a decision?
Contact Social Security when ready and give them your new address. You can update your address online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. If the notice was already mailed to your old address, ask Social Security to resend it or tell you the decision.