A confirmation code is not required to check your process status
If you submitted an SSDI process and did not receive a confirmation code, or you lost the one you were given, you can still find out where your case stands. Social Security has other ways to look up your process without it.
A confirmation code is a reference number that Social Security sometimes provides when you submit your process online through their website. It makes tracking easier, but it is not the only way to track. You have several options to move forward.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your SSDI process status by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) with just your Social Security number and date of birth.
- If you created a my Social Security account online when you applied, you can log in to that account to see your process status without needing a confirmation code.
- Visiting your local Social Security office in person is another way to look up your case, and staff can print your confirmation code for you if you need it later.
- Keep your Social Security number and the date you submitted your process handy when you contact Social Security, as they will ask for both.
How to find your status by phone
Call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.
Tell the representative that you submitted an SSDI process and need to check the status. They will ask you for your Social Security number, date of birth, and the approximate date you submitted your process. The representative can then pull up your case and tell you whether it is still being reviewed, whether a decision has been made, or whether Social Security needs more information from you.
Phone lines are typically less busy early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. You may wait on hold, but you do not need a confirmation code to reach someone who can help.
Checking your status through your online account
If you created a my Social Security account when you applied online, you can log in to that account to see your process status at any time. Go to ssa.gov and click "Sign in to my Social Security" in the upper right corner.
Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Benefits" or "My Applications." Your SSDI process should appear there with its current status. You will see whether Social Security is still reviewing your case, whether they have made a decision, or whether they are waiting for documents from you.
If you do not remember your password, you can reset it on the same sign-in page. If you never created an account, you can create one now and it will show your process history.
Visiting your local Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office and ask a representative to look up your process. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it, and bring a photo ID.
Tell the representative you submitted an SSDI process and want to check the status. They can pull up your case on their computer and tell you what stage it is in. If you want a confirmation code for your records, they can print one for you at that time.
Offices are usually less crowded in the morning. You can find your nearest office and its hours by going to ssa.gov/locator.
What to do if Social Security says they need more information
When you call or visit, the representative may tell you that Social Security is waiting for documents or answers from you. They will tell you what they need and how to send it. Do not ignore this request — if you do not respond within the timeframe they give you, Social Security may close your case.
Ask the representative for the important date and write it down. If they tell you to mail documents, ask for the address to send them to. If they say you can submit documents online through your my Social Security account, ask them to walk you through the steps.
If you submitted your process in person at an office
If you walked into a Social Security office and filled out your process there instead of explore online, you may not have received a confirmation code at all. This is normal. You can still check your status using any of the methods above — by phone, through your online account, or by visiting an office again.
When you call or visit, have the date you submitted your process ready. Social Security can look up your case using your Social Security number and the submission date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a new confirmation code if I lost mine?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you need your confirmation code. They can look up your process and provide the code over the phone, or you can visit a local Social Security office and ask them to print it for you.
Does not having a confirmation code slow down my process?
No. Your process is being processed the same way whether or not you have the code. The confirmation code is only a tool for you to track your case — it does not affect how Social Security reviews your process.
What if I applied online but never got a confirmation code in the first place?
This sometimes happens if there was a technical issue during submission. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that Social Security received your process. If they have it on file, they can provide you with a confirmation code and tell you the status of your case.
How long does it usually take to get a decision on an SSDI process?
Most decisions take three to six months, though some cases take longer depending on how complex your medical history is and whether Social Security needs to request records from your doctors. You can check your status at any time using the methods described above.
What should I do if Social Security says they never received my process?
If you applied online, ask the representative to search again using your Social Security number and the date you submitted it. If they still cannot find it, ask them how to resubmit. If you applied in person, visit that same office with your ID and ask them to check their records.