Where to Check Your Claim Status
You can check the status of your disability claim in three ways: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest and available 24 hours a day. You will need to create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email address, and a password you set.
If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, though you may need to make an appointment first through the online system or by calling ahead.
What Information You Will See Online
Your my Social Security account shows the current status of your claim in plain language. You will see whether your case is being reviewed, whether Social Security is waiting for information from you, or whether a decision has been made. The account also displays the date your claim was received and, if a decision has been made, the date of that decision.
If you are waiting for information from a doctor or hospital, the account will tell you that Social Security is waiting for medical records. If you have not sent in something Social Security requested, the account will show what is missing and the important date to send it. This is the most detailed view you can get without calling or visiting an office.
Key Takeaways
- Your my Social Security account online shows your claim status 24 hours a day and requires only your Social Security number and a password.
- If Social Security is waiting for medical records or other documents from you, the account will tell you exactly what is missing and when it is due.
- Calling 1-800-772-1213 works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, though wait times vary by time of day.
- The status page does not show a decision date in advance — you will see "decision made" only after Social Security has finished reviewing your case.
How Long Status Checks Take to Update
Changes to your claim status appear in your online account within one to three business days of when Social Security makes them. If you call or visit an office, a representative may have access to slightly more recent information, but the difference is usually less than 24 hours. Do not refresh your account multiple times in a single day expecting new information — the system updates on Social Security's schedule, not in real time.
If your status has not changed for several weeks and you have not received a request for more information, this usually means Social Security is still reviewing your medical records or waiting for records from your doctors. You can call to ask whether records have arrived, but Social Security cannot speed up the review process.
What to Do If Your Status Shows Missing Information
If your account shows that Social Security is waiting for documents from you, the page will list exactly what is needed and the important date to send it. Send the documents by the important date shown. You can upload them directly through your my Social Security account, mail them to the address shown on the notice, or bring them to your local office in person.
Uploading through your account is fastest because it creates a record when ready. If you mail documents, include your Social Security number on each page and keep copies for yourself. If the important date passes and you have not sent the documents, Social Security may close your claim. You can reopen it later, but this delays your decision.
Understanding Claim Status Stages
Your claim moves through several stages from the day you file until a decision is made. When you first file, the status shows "received" and the date you submitted it. Next, Social Security requests medical records from your doctors and hospitals — this stage can last several weeks or months depending on how many providers you see and how quickly they respond.
Once records arrive, the status changes to "under review" or "being processed." This is when a disability examiner reads your file and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's rules. You will not see a specific timeline for this stage — it depends on how complex your case is and how busy the office handling it is. When the examiner finishes, the status changes to "decision made" and you will receive a notice in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied.
What Happens After a Decision Is Made
Once your status shows "decision made," you will receive an official notice in the mail within one to two weeks. This notice explains the decision and, if you were denied, tells you how to request reconsideration or file an appeal. Do not rely on the online status alone — the official notice contains important details and important date you will need.
If you were approved, the notice will tell you when your benefits begin and how much you will receive. If you were denied, the notice will explain the reason and give you 60 days to request reconsideration or appeal. Keep this notice in a safe place because you will need it if you decide to challenge the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my claim status?
Check once every two to four weeks if you are waiting for a decision. Checking more frequently will not speed up the process. If Social Security needs something from you, the status will show it, and you will also receive a notice in the mail.
What if my online account shows no status information at all?
This usually means your account is not linked to an active claim. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your claim was filed and to get your case number. Once you have the case number, you can use it when calling to check status even if the online system does not show it.
Can I see my status if someone else filed the claim for me?
You can see your own status through your my Social Security account using your Social Security number. If a representative payee or attorney filed on your behalf, they can also check status using their own login, but you have the right to see your own information at any time.
What does "under review" mean, and how long does it last?
Under review means a disability examiner is reading your medical records and deciding whether your condition meets Social Security's rules. This stage typically lasts two to six months, but can be longer if records are delayed or your case is complex. You cannot speed this up, but you can call to confirm that all your medical records have arrived.
Will my status change if I send in new medical records after I file?
Yes. If you send new records after filing, Social Security will add them to your file and the status may show "waiting for information" or "under review" again as the examiner reviews the new material. Always send new records as soon as you have them — they can only help your case.