Where to check your SSDI claim status
You can check the status of your SSDI claim in three ways: through your online Social Security account, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. The online account is the fastest option and available 24 hours a day. You'll need to create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you don't already have one.
To check online, log into your account, select "Manage your benefits," and look for claim status information. If you're checking on someone else's claim—such as a child's or a spouse's—you'll need to be an authorized representative with the proper paperwork filed with Social Security.
If you prefer to call, the Social Security customer service number is 1-800-772-1213. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays. You'll need your Social Security number and claim number (if you have it) ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Your online my Social Security account shows your claim status in real time and is the fastest way to get an update.
- The status will tell you whether your claim is pending, approved, or denied, and will show the date of any decision.
- If your claim was denied, the notice you receive will explain the reason and tell you how long you have to request reconsideration.
- Processing times vary widely depending on how complex your medical evidence is, but most initial claims take three to six months.
What the different claim statuses mean
Pending means Social Security is still reviewing your claim. They may be waiting for medical records, requesting more information from you, or having a doctor review your case file. A pending status can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on how quickly your doctors send records and how busy the local office is.
Approved means Social Security has decided you meet the medical requirements for SSDI. Your status page will show the date your benefits begin and your first payment date. Benefits typically start the month after you're approved, though the exact timing depends on when your claim was filed.
Denied means Social Security reviewed your medical evidence and decided it does not show you cannot work. The denial notice will explain which medical requirements you did not meet. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to request reconsideration, which is a free process where Social Security reviews your claim again with any new information you provide.
How long SSDI claims typically take
Most initial SSDI claims take between three and six months from the date you file until you receive a decision. Some claims move faster—particularly those with clear medical evidence of severe disability—while others take longer if Social Security needs to request additional records from your doctors or schedule a medical examination.
The timeline also depends on how busy your local Social Security office is. Rural areas and less populated states sometimes process claims faster than major urban centers. If your claim has been pending for longer than six months and you haven't heard anything, you can call Social Security to ask for an update on what they're waiting for.
If you're waiting for a decision and your financial situation is urgent, you may be able to request an expedited review. This is not may provide, but Social Security will consider requests in cases of severe hardship. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether expedited review is possible for your situation.
What information you need to check your status
To check your claim status online, you'll need to log into your my Social Security account. If you don't have one yet, you can create it at ssa.gov using your email address, Social Security number, and some personal information to verify your identity. The account creation process takes about 10 minutes.
If you're calling Social Security, have your Social Security number ready. If you filed more than one claim (for example, if you applied for SSDI and were denied, then applied again later), having your claim number will help the representative find the right file faster. Your claim number appears on any notice Social Security has sent you.
If you're visiting an office in person, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What happens after you get a decision
If your claim is approved, Social Security will send you a notice showing your benefit amount and your first payment date. Your first payment usually arrives by direct deposit to your bank account, though you can request a check instead. Benefits are paid monthly, typically on the third of the month, though the exact date depends on your birth date.
Once you're receiving SSDI, you'll need to report certain changes to Social Security, such as returning to work, a change in your medical condition, or a move to a different state. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you'll have to repay later. You can report changes through your online account, by phone, or in person at a local office.
If your claim is denied and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial notice. This is a free process. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is a more formal review where you can present evidence and testimony.
Tracking your claim without logging in
If you don't have an online my Social Security account yet, you can still get a status update by phone or in person without creating one. Calling 1-800-772-1213 is the fastest option if you don't want to set up an account. Have your Social Security number ready, and the representative will look up your claim and tell you the current status.
Creating an online account does make it easier to check status on your own schedule without waiting on hold. The account also lets you view your Social Security statement, change your address, and manage other benefits if you're receiving them. Many people find it worth the 10 minutes it takes to set up.
Common reasons claims stay pending longer
The most common reason a claim stays pending is that Social Security is waiting for medical records from your doctors. If your doctors are slow to send records, or if you've seen many different providers, gathering all the evidence takes time. You can speed this up by contacting your doctors' offices yourself and asking them to send your records directly to Social Security.
Another common delay happens when Social Security needs you to see a doctor for a consultative examination. This is a medical exam Social Security arranges and pays for to gather more information about your condition. If you receive a notice asking you to attend an exam, it's important to go—missing the appointment can result in a denial.
Claims also take longer if your condition is not on Social Security's list of conditions that automatically may have access to for benefits. In those cases, Social Security has to do a more detailed review of whether your specific medical situation prevents you from working. This type of review takes more time but doesn't mean your claim will be denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's SSDI claim status?
You can check the status of a child's SSDI claim if you're the parent or legal guardian, or you can check a spouse's claim if you have power of attorney. You'll need to have the proper authorization set up with Social Security. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what paperwork you need to file to become an authorized representative.
What does it mean if my status shows "pending" but I haven't heard anything in months?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask what they're waiting for. Often they're holding your file waiting for medical records from your doctors. If that's the case, you can contact your doctors' offices directly and ask them to send the records to Social Security. Getting the records sent faster can move your claim forward.
Will my status change if I go back to work while my claim is pending?
Report any work to Social Security when ready, even while your claim is pending. Work can affect whether you're approved, and it's important that Social Security has accurate information about your current situation. You can report work changes through your online account, by phone, or at a local office.
How do I know if Social Security received my claim?
Social Security sends a notice within two weeks of receiving your claim. If you filed online or in person at an office, you should have received a receipt with a claim number. If you haven't received a notice after three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm they have your claim on file.
What should I do if I disagree with a denial?
You have 60 days from the date on your denial notice to request reconsideration. This is a free process where Social Security reviews your claim again. You can request reconsideration through your online account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local office. Include any new medical evidence or information that wasn't in your original claim.