Your process is being examined by Social Security, but you are not approved yet

When Social Security says your SSDI process is "under review," it means a claims examiner at your local Social Security office or a state disability information service has your file and is reading through your medical records, work history, and other documents you sent in. You are in the middle of the decision process—not rejected, not approved, but actively being evaluated.

This is the normal state for most applications. It does not mean anything has gone wrong, and it does not mean you are close to a decision. The review can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how much medical evidence you have, how complex your case is, and how busy your local office is.

Key Takeaways

  • Under review means a claims examiner is reading your file right now, but no decision has been made yet.
  • The review typically takes two to four months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs to request more medical records.
  • You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your case is still under review, but they cannot tell you what the decision will be.
  • If you have not heard back within four months, contact your local Social Security office to confirm your file has not stalled.
  • Under review does not mean you should stop working or assume you will be approved—continue your current situation until you receive a formal decision letter.

What happens while your process is under review

A claims examiner assigned to your case is gathering and reading your medical records. If you listed doctors, hospitals, or mental health providers on your process, Social Security contacts them directly to request your full medical file. This step alone can take four to six weeks, especially if the provider is slow to respond or if you have seen many doctors.

The examiner also reviews your work history to understand what jobs you have held and when you stopped working. They check whether your medical condition started before or after you stopped working, because the date matters for SSDI rules. They may also order a consultative exam—a medical appointment Social Security pays for—if your records are incomplete or outdated.

During this time, you do not need to do anything unless Social Security contacts you. If they send you a letter asking for more information or asking you to attend an exam, respond within the important date stated in the letter. Missing a important date can delay your case or result in a denial.

How long "under review" typically lasts

Most initial SSDI applications take two to four months from the time you submit them until you receive a decision. Some take longer. If your case involves multiple medical conditions, many doctors, or a consultative exam, add another month or two.

The timeline also depends on your state. Some state disability information services process cases faster than others. If you applied through your local Social Security office, the case may move to a state office, which can add time.

If your case has been under review for more than four months and you have not heard anything, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether your file is still active. It is possible—though rare—that your case has stalled or that Social Security is waiting for records from a provider and forgot to follow up.

What you should and should not do while waiting

Do not assume you will be approved. About 65 to 70 percent of initial SSDI applications are denied. Under review does not predict the outcome. Continue working if you are able, continue paying your bills, and do not make major financial decisions based on the hope that you will receive benefits.

Do respond when ready to any letter or phone call from Social Security. If they ask you to attend a medical exam, go. If they ask for more information, send it. Ignoring a request from Social Security can result in a denial even if your case is strong.

Do keep copies of everything you send to Social Security. If your case is denied and you file an appeal, you will need proof of what you submitted. Take a photo or make a copy before you mail anything.

Do not contact Social Security repeatedly asking for updates. They cannot tell you whether you will be approved or denied, and frequent calls do not speed up the process. One call after four months is reasonable; calling every week is not.

What "under review" does not tell you

Under review does not mean your case is progressing normally or slowly. It is straightforward the status Social Security uses for any process that has not yet been decided. A case that has been under review for three weeks and a case that has been under review for three months are both "under review."

It does not mean Social Security has found medical evidence that supports your claim. It does not mean they are leaning toward approval. It is a neutral status that tells you only that your file is in the system and being worked on.

It also does not mean you have a right to benefits during this time. SSDI does not pay you while your process is under review. If you are approved, your first payment typically arrives one to two months after the approval letter, and it covers the month after your official start date.

If your process is denied after review

If Social Security denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. The most common reasons are that Social Security found your medical condition does not meet their definition of disability, or that you are still able to work despite your condition.

You have the right to appeal a denial. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court. Many people who are denied at the initial stage are approved at the hearing level, especially if they have a lawyer or representative.

If you appeal, your case goes back under review at the next level. The process starts over, and you may have a chance to submit new medical records or other evidence that was not available when you first applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Social Security to find out what the decision will be?

No. Social Security will not tell you whether they are leaning toward approval or denial. They can tell you only whether your case is still under review, and they may not have that information if you call during a busy period. The only way to know the decision is to wait for the official letter.

What if I get a job while my process is under review?

Tell Social Security when ready. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit, which changes yearly), it may affect your case. Social Security may decide you are able to work and deny your process. If you are approved despite working, your benefits may be reduced or withheld depending on how much you earn.

Should I hire a lawyer while my process is under review?

Most people do not need a lawyer for the initial process. Lawyers become more useful if your case is denied and you file an appeal. At that point, a lawyer or representative can help you gather evidence and prepare for a hearing. You pay the lawyer only if you win, and the fee is capped by law.

What if Social Security asks me to go to a medical exam?

Go to the exam. It is free, and Social Security pays the doctor. The exam is part of the review process and helps Social Security understand your condition. If you miss the exam without a good reason, Social Security may deny your process.

Does "under review" mean I should stop working?

No. Continue working if you are able. SSDI is for people who cannot work, but the decision about whether you can work is made during the review, not before. If you stop working and then are denied, you will have lost income for no reason. Work until you receive an approval letter.