The Disability Portal is where you track your SSDI or SSI case after you submit your process

The Disability Portal (also called my Social Security) is an online account where you can see the status of your disability claim, upload documents, and receive messages from Social Security. You create a free account using your Social Security number, and once your process is submitted, you can log in anytime to check whether Social Security has received your medical records, scheduled your hearing, or made a decision.

It is not where you start your process — you file through a Social Security office, by phone, or through an attorney. But once your case is in the system, the portal becomes your main way to stay informed without calling or visiting an office in person. You can see exactly what documents Social Security has on file and upload missing records yourself, which often speeds up the process.

The portal works for both SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) cases. If you have applied for either program, you should create an account as soon as you receive your process confirmation number.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a free Disability Portal account using your Social Security number and email address, and it shows the status of your SSDI or SSI case in real time.
  • The portal displays which documents Social Security has received and lets you upload medical records, work history, or other evidence yourself without waiting for the mail.
  • You receive official messages from Social Security through the portal, including notices about decisions, hearing dates, and requests for more information.
  • The portal does not replace a hearing before an administrative law judge — you still attend that in person or by video — but it helps you prepare by showing what evidence is already in your file.

How to Create Your Disability Portal Account

Go to my.ssa.gov and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a mobile phone number or a driver's license number. Social Security will send a verification code to your email or phone, and you enter it to confirm the account is yours.

Once your account is active, log in and look for "Disability" or "My Cases" in the menu. If you have already filed for SSDI or SSI, your case should appear within a few days of submission. If it does not show up after a week, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your process was received and ask for your process number.

You do not need to be the person who filed the process to view it — a family member, caregiver, or attorney can create their own account and request access to your case. Social Security will send you a notification asking you to approve the access request.

What Information the Portal Shows About Your Case

The portal displays your case status in plain language: whether Social Security is still reviewing your process, whether they have scheduled a hearing, or whether a decision has been made. It also shows the date you filed, your estimated decision date (which changes as the case moves through stages), and the office handling your case.

Under "Documents," you can see every piece of evidence Social Security has received — medical records from your doctors, work history reports, school records, or anything else you or your doctors submitted. The list shows the date each document arrived and whether it has been reviewed. If a critical record is missing, you can see that when ready instead of waiting months to find out.

The portal also displays any Continuing Disability Review (CDR) notices if you are already receiving benefits. A CDR is when Social Security checks whether you still meet the definition of disability, and the portal will tell you what documents they need and when to send them.

Uploading Documents Through the Portal

If Social Security requests additional medical records or other evidence, you can upload them directly through the portal instead of mailing them. Click "Upload Documents" and select the file from your computer. You can upload PDFs, images (JPG or PNG), or Word documents. The file size limit is usually 10 megabytes per document.

Before you upload, make sure the document is clear and readable — a blurry photo of a medical record may be rejected or delayed. Label each file with what it is: for example, "Dr_Smith_cardiology_report_2024.pdf" is more useful than "scan001.pdf." Social Security will show the upload in your case file within a few hours, and you will receive a message confirming receipt.

Uploading through the portal is faster than mailing because there is no postal delay and you have when ready proof that Social Security received it. Keep copies of everything you upload for your own records.

Messages and Notifications From Social Security

When Social Security needs to contact you about your case, they will send a message through the portal. Common messages include requests for missing documents, notices that your hearing has been scheduled, or notification that a decision has been made. You will also receive an email notification that a new message is waiting, so check your email regularly.

Do not rely on the portal alone — Social Security may also mail official notices to your address on file. If you receive a mailed notice and a portal message that say different things, the mailed notice is the official one. Keep all mailed notices in a safe place.

If Social Security sends you a message asking for documents by a certain date, meet that important date. Missing a important date can delay your case or, in some situations, result in a denial. If you cannot gather the documents in time, contact the office handling your case and ask for an extension.

What the Portal Does Not Do

The portal shows you information about your case, but it does not let you make decisions or take actions that require official approval. You cannot request a hearing through the portal — you must file a written request or ask your attorney to file one. You cannot change your address or phone number through the portal; you must do that at a Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The portal also does not replace communication with your attorney or representative, if you have one. Your attorney has access to more detailed case files and can see things in your record that the portal does not display. If you are working with an attorney, they should be monitoring your case and will tell you what happens next.

Finally, the portal does not determine whether you will be approved or denied. It only shows you what Social Security has received and where your case stands in the review process. The actual decision is made by a claims examiner or an administrative law judge based on the medical evidence and the law.

Troubleshooting Portal Problems

If you forget your password, click "Forgot password" on the login page and Social Security will send a reset link to your email. If you cannot access your account because you do not remember the email address you used to create it, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask Social Security to help you recover the account.

If your case does not appear in the portal even though you filed weeks ago, it may not have been entered into the system yet. Processing times vary, but if more than two weeks have passed, call Social Security with your process number and ask them to check the status. They can tell you whether the process was received and when it will show up in the portal.

If you see a message in the portal that you do not understand, write down the exact wording and call Social Security to ask what it means. Do not ignore messages that ask for documents or information — these are time-sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my SSDI process through the Disability Portal?

No. You file your process at a Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or through an attorney. The portal is only for tracking your case after you have submitted the process. Once your process is in the system, the portal will show its status.

What if I do not have an email address or internet access?

You can still check your case status by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local office in person. A family member or representative can also create a portal account and check your case for you, with your permission.

How often should I check the portal?

Check it weekly if your case is active and Social Security has asked for documents. If your case is waiting for a hearing or a decision and no action is needed from you, checking once a month is usually enough. Do not check constantly — the status does not change every day.

If I upload a document through the portal, do I still need to mail a copy?

No. Once you upload through the portal, you do not need to mail the same document. Social Security will have the digital copy. But keep your own copy for your records in case you need to prove you submitted it.

What happens if Social Security makes a decision and I disagree?

The portal will show the decision and explain the reason. You then have 60 days to file a written request for reconsideration or an appeal. Your attorney or a local legal aid office can help you understand your options and file the appeal.