How Social Security tells you about your decision
Social Security sends you a written notice in the mail. This notice will say whether you have been approved, denied, or whether they need more information from you. The letter explains the decision and, if you were denied, tells you why and what you can do next. You will not find out by phone call or email — the official decision always comes as a paper letter to the address on your process.
The notice arrives weeks or months after you submit your process, depending on how long the review takes. There is no way to check your status online through a personal account during the wait. Social Security does not send status updates along the way — you will hear nothing until the decision letter arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Your decision notice comes by mail only, not by phone or email, and will clearly state whether you were approved or denied.
- The letter explains the reason for the decision and includes information about what to do if you disagree.
- You cannot check your status online or by calling Social Security before the decision letter arrives.
- If you were denied, the letter tells you how to request reconsideration, which is a free process that does not require a lawyer.
- Approval means Social Security will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.
What the approval letter contains
If you are approved, the letter tells you the month your benefits will start. For most people, benefits begin the month after Social Security approves the claim, though there are exceptions based on when your disability started. The letter also states your monthly benefit amount — the dollar figure you will receive each month.
What the denial letter tells you
A denial letter states the specific reason Social Security rejected your claim. Common reasons include that your condition does not meet the medical requirements, that you have not been disabled long enough, or that you earn too much money. The letter cites the rules Social Security used to make the decision.
The denial letter also explains your right to request reconsideration at no cost. Reconsideration means a different Social Security examiner reviews your case and the evidence you submitted. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to request reconsideration. If you miss that important date, you can still appeal, but the process becomes more complicated and may require a hearing before a judge.
When to expect your decision
Initial claims typically take three to six months to decide, though some take longer. The timeline depends on how much medical evidence you have, whether your condition is straightforward to evaluate, and how busy your local Social Security office is. Claims that require extensive medical review or that involve conditions Social Security reviews carefully can take a year or more.
You cannot speed up the decision by calling Social Security or visiting an office in person. The examiner assigned to your case works through applications in the order they arrive. If you submitted additional medical records after your process, those may slow the review while the examiner waits for them or requests clarification from your doctors.
If you do not receive a letter
If six months have passed since you submitted your process and you have not received a decision letter, contact your local Social Security office by phone or in person. Bring your Social Security number and the date you submitted your process. The office can tell you whether your case is still under review or whether something went wrong with your process.
It is also possible the letter was lost in the mail. If Social Security confirms they sent a decision letter but you never received it, they can mail a duplicate or read the decision to you over the phone. Ask the office to note in your file that you received the information by phone so there is a record.
What happens after approval
Once you are approved, Social Security will set up your benefit payments. Your first check arrives by direct deposit or paper check, depending on how you chose to receive payments when you applied. The approval letter tells you the exact date your first payment arrives.
After approval, you must report certain changes to Social Security, such as if you return to work, move to a different address, or your medical condition improves significantly. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you will have to repay. Your approval letter includes a phone number and instructions for reporting changes.
What to do if you disagree with the decision
If you were denied and believe the decision was wrong, you can request reconsideration. This is a free process where a different examiner reviews your entire case from the start. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration by contacting your local Social Security office, calling 1-800-772-1213, or submitting a written request.
When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence that was not in your original process. This is your chance to provide updated test results, recent doctor's notes, or statements from people who know how your condition affects your daily life. The new examiner will consider everything together.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This process is more formal and many people hire a lawyer at this stage, though you do not have to. A lawyer can help you prepare your case and present evidence at the hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my process status online before I get the decision letter?
No. Social Security does not provide online status checks for SSDI applications. You must wait for the decision letter to arrive by mail. If you need information about your case, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person.
What if my decision letter says I need to do something by a certain date?
Follow the instructions in the letter and meet the important date. If the letter asks you to submit medical records or other documents, send them to the address listed in the letter before the important date. If you cannot meet the important date, contact Social Security when ready to ask for an extension.
Do I need a lawyer to request reconsideration?
No. Reconsideration is free and you can request it yourself by contacting Social Security. However, if your case is denied again and you move to a hearing, many people find a lawyer helpful because the hearing process is more formal and involves presenting evidence to a judge.
What if I was approved but the benefit amount seems wrong?
The approval letter explains how Social Security calculated your benefit amount based on your work history and earnings. If you believe there is an error, contact your local Social Security office with your questions. Bring the approval letter and any documents about your work history.
How long does reconsideration take?
Reconsideration typically takes two to three months, though it can take longer depending on how much new evidence you submit and how busy the office is. You will receive a decision letter by mail when reconsideration is complete, just as you did for your initial process.