Where to check your SSDI status

You can check the status of your SSDI claim through my Social Security, the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website portal. This is the only place Social Security publishes real-time information about your case. You do not need to call, visit an office, or use any other website — my Social Security is where SSA posts updates.

To access my Social Security, go to ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need to create an account or sign in if you already have one. The portal shows you the current status of any claim you have filed, including SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or retirement benefits.

If you have not created a my Social Security account yet, you can set one up in about 10 minutes using your email address, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or mailing address on file with SSA).

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount is the official place to check your SSDI claim status and the only source for real-time updates from SSA.
  • You will see whether your claim is pending, approved, denied, or under review, along with the date SSA last updated your case.
  • If your claim shows as pending after 3 to 5 months, you can contact SSA by phone or in person to ask whether additional documents are needed.
  • Status updates on my Social Security usually appear within 1 to 2 business days after SSA makes a decision on your case.

What information my Social Security shows you

Once you log in, my Social Security displays the current status of your SSDI claim in plain language. You will see one of these statuses: pending (SSA is still reviewing), approved (you have been found disabled and benefits have started), denied (SSA determined you do not meet the criteria), or under review (SSA asked for more information and is waiting for your response).

The portal also shows you the date of the last update to your case. This tells you whether SSA has recently looked at your file or whether it has been sitting without action. If you see a date from several months ago and your status still says pending, that is a sign you may need to follow up.

You can also see any messages SSA has sent you through the portal, including requests for documents or notifications about decisions. These messages appear in a separate section, so check there if you are unsure what SSA needs from you.

How to create and log into my Social Security

Start by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount. Click the button to create a new account. You will enter your email address, create a password, and provide your Social Security number. SSA will then ask you to verify your identity.

Identity verification usually happens one of two ways: SSA can send a code to your phone by text or call, or they can ask you questions based on information in their records (like previous addresses or loan amounts). Once you verify, your account is active and you can log in when ready.

If you already have a my Social Security account, straightforward go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your email and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it.

What to do if your status shows pending after several months

SSDI claims typically take 3 to 5 months to decide, though some take longer depending on how much medical evidence SSA needs to review. If your my Social Security status still shows pending after 5 months, it does not necessarily mean something is wrong — but it is reasonable to check in.

Contact SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. Have your case number ready (you can find it on any letter SSA sent you, or in my Social Security under your claim details). Ask whether SSA is waiting for any documents from you or whether your case is straightforward in the queue.

If SSA tells you they need documents, ask for a specific important date and the exact address to send them to. If they say your case is still under review with no missing documents, ask when you can expect a decision. Write down the date you called and the name of the person you spoke with, in case you need to follow up again.

Understanding different claim statuses

Pending means SSA received your claim and is reviewing it. They are looking at your medical records, work history, and other information to decide whether you meet the definition of disabled under Social Security rules. During this time, you may see messages in my Social Security asking for additional documents or clarification.

Approved means SSA found that you are disabled and your SSDI benefits have begun. My Social Security will show your benefit amount and payment date. You will also receive an official approval letter in the mail with details about your benefits and any work incentives you may be able to use.

Denied means SSA reviewed your claim and determined that you do not meet their definition of disability. The denial letter will explain the reason. You have the right to appeal this decision, and you have 60 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. My Social Security can show you how to start an appeal, or you can contact SSA directly.

Under review usually means SSA asked you for more information and is waiting for your response. Check your messages in my Social Security to see what they need. If you do not respond by the important date shown, SSA may deny your claim based on the information they already have.

Checking status if you applied by phone or in person

If you filed your SSDI claim over the phone or at a Social Security office rather than online, you can still use my Social Security to check the status. Your claim will appear in the portal once SSA enters it into their system, which usually happens within a few days of filing.

When you first log into my Social Security after filing in person or by phone, you may need to wait 24 to 48 hours for your claim to show up. If you do not see it after two days, try logging out and back in, or contact SSA to confirm they received your claim and to get your case number.

When you will not see a status update

My Social Security only shows claims you have filed with SSA. If you have never filed for SSDI, nothing will appear in the portal. You must file a claim first — either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

If you are checking on someone else's claim (for example, a family member's), you cannot see their status unless they have given you permission and added you as an authorized representative in their my Social Security account. SSA protects claim information as private, so only the person who filed or someone they authorize can view the details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my Social Security update the status?

My Social Security updates within 1 to 2 business days after SSA makes a change to your case. If you check multiple times in a single day, you will likely see the same status. Check back every few days rather than hourly if you are waiting for a decision.

What if I cannot create a my Social Security account?

If you have trouble verifying your identity online, you can call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to check your claim status over the phone. They will ask you security questions to confirm who you are, then tell you where your claim stands. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person.

Can I check my status if I am outside the United States?

Yes, my Social Security is available from anywhere with internet access. You log in the same way. If you have questions about your claim while abroad, you can still call SSA's international phone line or contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for help reaching SSA.

What should I do if my status changed to denied?

Read the denial letter SSA mails you — it explains why they denied your claim. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. You can request reconsideration (SSA reviews your case again with new or additional evidence) or ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. My Social Security shows you how to start an appeal, or call SSA for help.

Does checking my status online affect my claim?

No. Logging into my Social Security and viewing your claim status does not change anything about your case or slow it down. You can check as often as you want without any effect on SSA's review of your claim.