Where to Check Your Claim Status

You can check your SSDI claim status in three ways: through your my Social Security account online, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. The online account is the fastest and shows real-time updates without waiting on hold.

To use my Social Security, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one in about 10 minutes using your email, Social Security number, and a phone number. Once logged in, click "Manage Your Benefits" and then "Check Your process Status" to see where your claim stands.

If you prefer to call, dial 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays. Have your Social Security number ready. A representative can tell you the same information as the online tool, but you may wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on call volume.

Key Takeaways

  • Your my Social Security account shows your claim status in real time and is updated as Social Security processes your file.
  • The status page tells you what documents Social Security has received and what they still need from you.
  • If your status shows "pending" for more than 60 days after you filed, contact Social Security to confirm they have all required medical records.
  • You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office, but online checking avoids phone hold times.

What the Status Page Actually Shows

The status page displays one of four messages: "We received your process," "We are reviewing your process," "We need more information," or "We made a decision on your process." Each one tells you something different about where your claim is in the process.

"We received your process" means Social Security has logged your claim into their system but has not yet assigned it to a claims examiner. This status usually lasts a few days to a week. "We are reviewing your process" means a claims examiner is actively looking at your medical records and work history. This phase typically takes 30 to 60 days, though it can stretch longer if Social Security needs to request additional records from your doctors.

"We need more information" means Social Security has found gaps in your file. The status page will list what they are asking for—usually medical records from a specific doctor, a work history form, or clarification about your education. You have 10 days to respond, though you can request an extension. "We made a decision on your process" means the review is complete. You will receive a formal letter in the mail within a few days explaining whether you were approved or denied.

What to Do If Your Status Says "We Need More Information"

When Social Security asks for more information, the my Social Security page will specify exactly what they want. Do not guess or send extra documents hoping something will help. Send only what they asked for, and send it as quickly as you can.

If Social Security is asking for medical records from your doctor, call the doctor's office and ask them to send the records directly to Social Security. Give them the address on the request letter. If you are sending the records yourself, make a copy for your own file before mailing them. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof Social Security received them.

If you cannot get the records within 10 days, log back into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an extension. Social Security usually grants extensions without question. Do not miss the important date without asking—a missed important date can result in your claim being denied, though you can reapply.

How Long Each Stage Normally Takes

The timeline from filing to a decision varies widely depending on how straightforward your case is and how quickly your doctors respond. A straightforward case with complete medical records might take 30 to 45 days. A complex case or one where Social Security has to request records from multiple providers can take 90 to 120 days or longer.

If your status has said "We are reviewing your process" for more than 60 days and you have not heard that Social Security needs more information, call them to confirm they have received all your medical records. Sometimes records get lost in the mail or are misfiled. A quick phone call can prevent a months-long delay.

Social Security is required to make a decision within 60 days of receiving your complete process, though they often take longer. If you have been waiting longer than 90 days and your status still shows "reviewing," ask to speak with a supervisor and request an update on what is holding up the decision.

What Happens After Social Security Makes a Decision

Once your status changes to "We made a decision," you will receive an official letter from Social Security in the mail within 3 to 7 business days. The letter will state whether you were approved or denied. If you were approved, the letter will include your monthly benefit amount, your first payment date, and information about Medicare coverage.

If you were denied, the letter will explain the reason. Common reasons include that Social Security found you can still do your past work, that your condition is not expected to last 12 months, or that you did not provide enough medical evidence. The letter will also tell you how to request reconsideration—a free process where Social Security reviews your case again with new or additional evidence.

Do not rely only on the my Social Security status page for a denial. The official letter contains legal language about your rights and important date. Read it carefully and keep it in a safe place. If you disagree with the decision, you have 60 days from the date on the letter to request reconsideration.

Tracking Your Case If You Hire a Representative

If you have hired a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to handle your claim, they can also check your status through their own Social Security account. However, you can still check your status yourself at any time. Your representative does not have exclusive access to your file.

Ask your representative for their contact information and how often they plan to update you. Some representatives check status weekly; others check monthly. If your status changes to "We need more information," your representative should contact you when ready so you can respond within the 10-day window.

If you are working with a representative and you see a status change on my Social Security before they contact you, reach out to them right away. This is especially important if Social Security is asking for documents or information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the status page update?

The my Social Security status page updates as Social Security processes your file, usually within one business day of any action. If you checked yesterday and nothing has changed, checking again today is unlikely to show new information. Check once a week rather than daily to avoid frustration.

What if I cannot create a my Social Security account?

If you are having trouble creating an account or logging in, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to check your status over the phone. They can also help you troubleshoot account creation. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card.

Can I check my status if someone else filed the claim for me?

Only the person whose name is on the claim can access the my Social Security account for that claim. If a family member or representative filed on your behalf, you will need to create your own account using your Social Security number and email address. Once you log in, you will see your claim status.

What does it mean if my status has not changed in three months?

If your status has been stuck on "We are reviewing your process" for longer than 90 days, call Social Security and ask what is causing the delay. Often the issue is that a medical record was not received or was misfiled. A phone call can identify the problem and move your case forward.

Will my status page tell me my benefit amount before I get the decision letter?

No. The my Social Security status page does not show your benefit amount until after Social Security has made a final decision and the decision letter is in the mail. You will see the amount for the first time in the official letter or when you log into your account after the decision is posted.