Where to check your SSDI claim status
You can check the status of your SSDI claim through my Social Security, the official Social Security Administration website. This is the fastest way to see where your claim stands without calling or visiting an office.
To use my Social Security, you need to create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you log in, you can view your claim status, see documents the Social Security Administration has received, and check estimated payment amounts if your claim is approved.
You do not need to create an account to check status by phone. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak with a representative who will look up your claim. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount shows your claim status, received documents, and estimated payment amounts in real time.
- You can check status by phone at 1-800-772-1213 without creating an online account, though wait times vary.
- Initial claims typically take three to six months to process, though some take longer if the Social Security Administration requests more information.
- If your claim shows "pending," the Social Security Administration is still reviewing it; if it shows "more information needed," you must respond within the important date given in your notice letter.
What the status page shows you
When you log into my Social Security, you see a section labeled "Your Claim Status." This tells you whether your claim is pending (still being reviewed), approved, or denied. If your claim is approved, this page also shows your estimated monthly payment amount and when payments will begin.
Below the status, you can see a list of documents the Social Security Administration has received from you, your doctor, your employer, or other sources. If a document is missing or incomplete, the status page usually notes that. This is where you find out whether you need to send additional paperwork.
The status page updates as the Social Security Administration processes your claim, but not in real time. Changes may take a few days to appear after the agency receives new information.
What "pending" means and how long it takes
A pending status means the Social Security Administration is still reviewing your claim. For initial SSDI claims, this review typically takes three to six months. Some claims take longer if the agency needs to order medical records from your doctors, schedule a consultative exam, or request additional information from you.
You can speed up the process by responding quickly to any requests for information. If you receive a notice letter asking for documents or asking you to attend an exam, the letter includes a important date. Missing that important date can delay your claim by weeks or months.
If your claim has been pending for longer than six months and you have not received any requests for information, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether the Social Security Administration is waiting for something from you or from a medical provider.
What to do if your status shows "more information needed"
When the status page shows that more information is needed, you will also receive a notice letter in the mail. This letter explains exactly what documents or information the Social Security Administration needs and gives you a important date to respond—usually 10 days from the date on the letter.
You can send the requested information by mail, by uploading it through my Social Security, or by bringing it to your local Social Security office. Uploading through my Social Security is fastest because the document reaches the agency when ready and appears on your status page within a day or two.
If you miss the important date, the Social Security Administration may deny your claim. If that happens, you can file an appeal, but it is much simpler to respond on time. If you cannot gather the information by the important date, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an extension before the important date passes.
Creating and using a my Social Security account
To create an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity. The Social Security Administration offers several verification methods: you can use a mobile phone to take a photo of your driver's license or state ID, answer security questions based on your credit history, or use a video call with a Social Security representative.
Once your account is created and verified, you can log in anytime to check your claim status. You can also use my Social Security to view your Social Security statement, check your earnings record, and manage other Social Security business.
If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page. The Social Security Administration will send you a link to reset it. If you have trouble creating an account or verifying your identity, you can call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
What happens after your claim is approved
Once your claim is approved, your status page shows your approval date and your first payment date. SSDI payments are made by direct deposit on the third of each month (or the next business day if the third falls on a weekend or holiday). Your first payment may arrive a month or two after approval while the Social Security Administration sets up your account.
After approval, you can continue to use my Social Security to view your payment history, change your direct deposit information, and report changes in your situation that might affect your benefits. You are required to report certain changes—such as returning to work, changes in your medical condition, or changes in your living situation—to the Social Security Administration.
Checking status if you filed an appeal
If your claim was denied and you filed an appeal, you can check the status of your appeal through my Social Security as well. Appeals go through different stages: reconsideration (a different Social Security reviewer looks at your case), a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals if needed. Each stage has its own timeline, and the status page shows which stage your appeal is in.
Appeals typically take longer than initial claims. A reconsideration can take two to three months. A hearing before a judge can take one to two years, depending on how busy the judge's office is. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for an update on your appeal if you have not heard anything in several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my claim status update online?
The status page updates as the Social Security Administration processes your claim, but changes may take a few days to appear. If you submitted a document through my Social Security, it usually shows up within one to two days. If you mailed a document, allow one to two weeks for it to arrive and be added to your file.
Can I check my status if I do not have an online account?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will look up your claim status over the phone. You will need your Social Security number and the date you filed your claim. This option works if you prefer not to create an online account or if you need to speak with someone about your claim.
What does it mean if my status has not changed in months?
If your status shows "pending" and has not changed in more than six months, the Social Security Administration may be waiting for medical records from your doctors or for you to attend a consultative exam. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what is holding up your claim and whether you need to take any action.
Will my status page show my payment amount before I am approved?
No. The estimated payment amount appears only after your claim is approved. Before approval, the status page shows only that your claim is pending. Once approved, you will see your monthly payment amount and your first payment date.
What should I do if I see an error on my status page?
If you see incorrect information—such as a wrong date, a missing document you know you sent, or an inaccurate medical condition—call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. A representative can correct errors in your file or investigate whether a document was lost in the mail.