Where to check your claim status

You can check the status of your SSDI claim in three ways: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest and available 24 hours a day. You will need to create or sign into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, then look for the "Benefit Applications" section, which shows the current status of any claim you have submitted.

If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak with a representative. They will ask for your Social Security number and other identifying information, then tell you where your claim stands. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator — though wait times are often longer than calling.

Key Takeaways

  • Your my Social Security account online shows your claim status when ready and is updated regularly as Social Security reviews your case.
  • The status will tell you whether Social Security is still reviewing your claim, has made a decision, or needs more information from you.
  • If Social Security requests documents or answers to questions, you will see that request in your account or receive a letter in the mail.
  • The time from submission to a decision typically ranges from three to six months, though some claims take longer if more medical evidence is needed.
  • You can check your status as often as you want without affecting your claim or slowing down the review process.

What the different statuses mean

Social Security uses several status labels to describe where your claim is in the review process. "Received" means Social Security has your process and has begun the initial review. "Under Review" means a claims examiner is actively looking at your medical records and work history. This is the longest phase and can last several months.

"More Information Needed" means Social Security has reviewed what you sent but needs additional documents or medical records to make a decision. When you see this status, check your account or look for a letter in the mail that explains exactly what is missing. You will have a important date to send it — usually 10 days from the date on the letter, though you can ask for more time.

"Decision Made" means Social Security has finished reviewing your claim and reached a conclusion. The next step is to check whether the decision is an approval or a denial. You will receive an official decision letter in the mail that explains the outcome and your next steps if you disagree.

What to do if your status says "more information needed"

When Social Security requests more information, the letter or online message will specify what documents or records they need. Common requests include updated medical records from your doctor, hospital discharge summaries, lab results, or answers to questions about your work history and daily activities.

Send the requested materials as soon as possible. You can mail them to the address listed in the letter, upload them through your my Social Security account if that option is available, or bring them in person to your local Social Security office. Keep a copy for your own records and note the date you sent them. If you cannot find the requested document, call Social Security to ask whether a substitute is available — for example, a recent doctor's note instead of an older medical record.

If the important date passes without you sending the information, Social Security may deny your claim based on incomplete evidence. You can still appeal after a denial, but it is faster to respond to the request the first time.

How long the review typically takes

From the date you submit your process to the date you receive a decision, the process usually takes three to six months. This timeline assumes Social Security does not need to request additional medical records. If your case requires more evidence — for example, if your doctor needs to send detailed notes about your condition — the review can extend to nine months or longer.

The timeline also depends on how quickly you respond if Social Security asks for more information. If you send requested documents within a week, the review moves forward without delay. If weeks pass before you respond, the timeline stretches.

You cannot speed up the review by calling repeatedly or visiting the office in person. Social Security processes claims in the order they arrive, and checking your status does not change where you stand in the queue.

What happens after a decision is made

Once Social Security makes a decision, you will receive an official letter in the mail. If your claim is approved, the letter will explain when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. If your claim is denied, the letter will explain the reason — for example, that Social Security determined your condition does not meet the definition of disability, or that you have not been disabled long enough.

If you disagree with a denial, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process has four levels: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. After that important date passes, you lose the right to appeal that particular decision.

Tracking your claim between status updates

Your my Social Security account updates regularly as Social Security processes your claim, but updates do not happen every day. Check your account once a week rather than daily — this gives you a realistic view of progress without creating false alarm when nothing has changed overnight.

If you have a representative or attorney helping with your claim, they can also check the status on your behalf. You will need to authorize them by completing Form SSA-1696 (Authorization to Represent) and submitting it to Social Security.

If your status has not changed for more than two months and you have not received a request for more information, you can call Social Security to ask whether anything is holding up your case. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

Common reasons claims take longer to review

Some claims move through the system faster than others. Medical conditions that are straightforward — for example, a recent spinal fusion with clear surgical records — often receive a decision within three months. Conditions that require more interpretation, such as chronic pain or mental health disorders, typically take longer because Social Security needs detailed medical evidence to establish that the condition prevents work.

Claims also slow down when medical records are incomplete or outdated. If your doctor has not examined you recently, Social Security may order a consultative examination — a medical evaluation paid for by Social Security — to gather current evidence. This adds one to two months to the timeline.

If you have a work history in multiple states or countries, or if you have received workers' compensation or other disability benefits, the review takes longer because Social Security must coordinate information across systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Social Security to ask why my claim is taking so long?

Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain that you are checking on the status of your SSDI claim. A representative can tell you whether your case is progressing normally or whether something specific is causing a delay. If Social Security is waiting for medical records from your doctor, the representative can sometimes contact the doctor's office on your behalf.

What if I move or change my phone number while my claim is under review?

Contact Social Security when ready to update your address and phone number. You can do this online through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local office. If Social Security cannot reach you at the address on file, they may deny your claim for failure to respond to requests for information.

Does checking my status online affect my claim in any way?

No. Checking your status as often as you want does not slow down or speed up the review process. Social Security processes claims based on when they were received, not based on how often you check on them.

What should I do if the status says "decision made" but I have not received a letter?

Wait three to five business days for the letter to arrive by mail. If more than a week has passed since the status changed and you still have not received the letter, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request that they mail a replacement or read the decision to you over the phone.

Can I withdraw my claim after I have submitted it?

Yes, you can request to withdraw your process at any time before a decision is made. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. If you withdraw and later want to reapply, you will start the process over from the beginning, and the new process date will determine when your benefits could begin if you are approved.