Where to check your claim status

You can check on your disability claim in three ways: through your online Social Security account, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local office in person. The fastest route is usually your online account, where you can see updates without waiting on hold.

To check online, go to ssa.gov and sign in to your "my Social Security" account. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one with your email address and a password. Once you are signed in, look for "Manage Your Benefits" and then "Check Your process Status." The page will show you where your claim stands and what documents Social Security still needs from you, if anything.

If you do not want to use an online account, you can call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays. A representative can tell you the same information your online account shows — what stage your claim is in and whether they are waiting for anything from you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your online my Social Security account shows your claim status and any documents Social Security is waiting for, and you can check it anytime without calling.
  • If you do not have an online account, you can call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours to speak with a representative about your claim.
  • Social Security processes claims in stages — initial review, possible denial and appeal, or approval — and your status page tells you which stage you are in.
  • If Social Security asks for more information, they will tell you what documents they need and give you a important date to send them in.

What the different claim stages mean

When you check your status, you will see your claim described as being in one of several stages. Understanding what each one means helps you know what to expect next.

Received means Social Security has your process but has not started reviewing it yet. This stage usually lasts a few days to a couple of weeks. In Progress means a claims examiner is looking at your medical records and work history. This is the longest stage and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how much information they need to gather.

Pending Decision means the examiner has finished reviewing your file and is writing up their decision. This stage is usually short — a few days to a week. Once the decision is written, your status will change to either Approved or Denied. If you are approved, you will see information about when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, you will receive a letter explaining why and information about how to appeal.

What to do if Social Security asks for more information

During the review, Social Security may ask you to send in additional documents or information. When this happens, your status page will show what they need and by what date. Common requests include recent medical records from your doctor, hospital discharge papers, or a statement from your employer about why you cannot work.

Send what they ask for as soon as you can. If you miss the important date, Social Security may deny your claim based on incomplete information, though you can appeal that decision later. The safest approach is to send documents by mail with tracking, or bring them in person to your local Social Security office so you have proof of when they arrived.

If you are not sure where to get a document they are asking for — for example, if your doctor has retired or moved — call Social Security and tell them. They may be able to help you locate the records, or they may accept a written statement from you explaining why you cannot get the document.

How long the review usually takes

The time from when you submit your process to when you get a decision varies widely. On average, an initial claim takes three to six months, but some take longer if Social Security needs to request records from multiple doctors or if your case is complex.

The timeline also depends on how busy your local Social Security office is. Rural areas sometimes move faster because there are fewer claims to process. Urban areas with high volume can take longer. If your claim has been pending for more than six months and you have not heard anything, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether they are waiting for information from you or from your doctors.

What happens if your claim is denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You will receive a letter explaining their reason for the denial — for example, they may say your condition is not severe enough, or that you can still do some kind of work.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. The first step is usually called "reconsideration," which means a different examiner will review your case from the beginning. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage, which is often helpful if you have seen a doctor since your first process.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and answer questions about your condition and work history. Many people find it helpful to have a representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — at this stage, though it is not required.

Keeping track of your claim between updates

While you wait for a decision, keep a record of what you have submitted and when. Write down the date you mailed documents, what was in the envelope, and whether you used tracking. If Social Security later says they never received something, you will have proof.

Save copies of any letters Social Security sends you, including the initial process confirmation and any requests for more information. These letters have important dates and reference numbers that you will need if you have to call or appeal.

If your contact information changes — your phone number, address, or email — update it in your my Social Security account or call 1-800-772-1213 to tell them. Social Security needs to be able to reach you if they have questions or when they are ready to notify you of a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my claim status?

You can check as often as you want — your online account updates whenever Social Security makes a change. Most people check once a week or once every two weeks. If you have submitted documents and are waiting to hear whether they received them, checking after a few days is reasonable.

What if I cannot log into my my Social Security account?

If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one with your email and a new password. If you are still having trouble, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you or tell you your status over the phone.

Can someone else check on my claim for me?

Yes, but only if you give them permission. You can authorize a representative — a lawyer, non-lawyer advocate, or family member — to access your account and speak with Social Security on your behalf. You will need to sign a form called an "Authorization to Represent" and send it to Social Security.

What if my status has not changed in several months?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether Social Security is waiting for information from you or from your medical providers. Sometimes records take a long time to arrive, or a doctor's office may not have sent them yet. A representative can tell you what is holding up the decision and what you can do to move it forward.

Will my status page tell me if I am approved before I get the official letter?

Usually yes — your online status will change to "Approved" a few days before the official letter arrives in the mail. The letter will have details about your benefit amount and when payments start, so you will still need to read it when it arrives.