Where to check your disability status

You can check your SSDI or SSI status through my Social Security, the official Social Security Administration portal at ssa.gov. This is the only place Social Security publishes real-time information about your case. You will need to create an account with a username and password, or sign in using Login.gov credentials.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays. You will need your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

Do not use third-party websites or apps that claim to check your status for you. These sites cannot access your real Social Security records and may collect your personal information. Social Security never charges for status checks, and no legitimate service needs your password.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security at ssa.gov is the official place to check your SSDI or SSI status, and it is free.
  • You will need to create an account with a username and password, or use your Login.gov account to sign in.
  • Once logged in, you can see your payment amount, payment date, and any pending decisions on your case.
  • If you are waiting for a decision on a new claim or appeal, the status page will show where your case stands in the review process.
  • Call 1-800-772-1213 if you cannot access the website or need to speak with a representative about what you see.

What information you can see in my Social Security

Once you log into my Social Security, you will see your current payment amount, the date your payment is scheduled to arrive, and your payment history for the past 12 months. This section shows whether you are receiving SSDI, SSI, or both, and what your monthly benefit is.

You can also view your earnings record, which Social Security uses to calculate your SSDI benefit. If you are still working, this record shows how much you have earned so far this year — important information if you are using a work incentive like the Student Earned Income Exclusion or Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

The site displays any pending decisions, such as a continuing disability review (CDR) or a decision on a representative payee process. If Social Security is waiting for information from you, it will show here, along with the important date to respond.

Checking the status of a new claim or appeal

If you have filed a new SSDI or SSI claim, or if you have appealed a denial, my Social Security shows where your case is in the process. The status will say whether your claim is being reviewed, whether Social Security is waiting for medical records, or whether a decision has been made.

The timeline varies widely. An initial claim decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, but can take longer if Social Security needs to request medical evidence from your doctors. An appeal at the reconsideration level takes another 3 to 6 months. If you have requested a hearing before an administrative law judge, the wait is often 12 months or longer, depending on your local hearing office's backlog.

My Social Security does not always update when ready when new information arrives at Social Security. If you submitted medical records or other documents, allow 1 to 2 weeks before checking the status again. If the status has not changed after that time, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that Social Security received what you sent.

Understanding payment status codes

My Social Security uses specific status labels to describe where your case stands. "Active" means you are currently receiving benefits. "Suspended" means your benefits have been temporarily stopped, usually because of work earnings, a return to work, or a medical improvement review. "Terminated" means your benefits have ended permanently.

If your status shows "Suspended" or "Terminated," the website will explain the reason. Common reasons include exceeding the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit while working, completing a trial work period, or a finding that your condition has improved. You can appeal a termination decision, and the appeal process is described in the notice Social Security mailed to you.

If you do not understand why your status changed, do not wait to call. The sooner you contact Social Security, the sooner you can ask about your options, including whether you can request a new hearing or provide additional medical evidence.

Creating and securing your my Social Security account

To create an account, go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" under my Social Security. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code by email or text to confirm your identity.

You can also sign in using a Login.gov account, which many people already have from filing taxes or using other federal services. Using Login.gov adds an extra layer of security because it requires two-factor authentication — a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.

Never share your my Social Security password with anyone, including Social Security employees, representatives, or family members. Social Security representatives will never ask for your password. If someone claims to be from Social Security and asks for your login information, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 yourself to report it.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the my Social Security login page. Social Security will send you a reset link by email. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or try again with a different email address if you have one on file.

If you have trouble creating an account — for example, if Social Security says it cannot verify your identity — you will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. An employee can help you set up your account or look up your information for you over the phone.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter at no cost — tell the representative when you call.

When to contact Social Security directly instead of using the website

Use my Social Security to check routine information like your payment amount and date. Contact Social Security by phone or in person if you need to report a change in your situation, such as a change in address, a new job, or a change in your living arrangement. These changes can affect your benefits, and Social Security needs to know about them quickly.

Also call if you have questions about what you see on the website, if a status has not changed in the time you expected, or if you disagree with a decision Social Security has made. A representative can explain the reason for a decision, tell you what documents Social Security has on file, and walk you through your options for appealing or requesting a new review.

If you are represented by a lawyer or non-lawyer representative, they can also check your status on your behalf if you have given them permission. Some representatives use a separate Social Security portal called EFAST to monitor cases, but my Social Security is still the official source for your information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my Social Security update my payment information?

My Social Security updates your payment amount and date once a month, usually around the 15th. If you are expecting a change — such as a cost-of-living adjustment or a change because of work earnings — the website will reflect it in the month it takes effect. If the amount does not match what you expected, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask why.

Can I see my medical records on my Social Security?

No. My Social Security shows only your payment and claim status, not the medical evidence Social Security has collected. To see your medical records, you can request them from Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. You can also ask your doctor's office for copies of records they sent to Social Security.

What if my status shows a decision was made but I have not received a notice in the mail?

Social Security mails decisions separately from online notifications, so there is usually a delay of 1 to 2 weeks. If you see a decision on my Social Security but have not received the official notice after two weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the decision and ask them to mail a copy to you.

Is my Social Security find, and is it safe to use on my phone?

Yes. My Social Security uses encryption to protect your information, and it is safe to use on a phone or computer. However, only log in on devices you trust — not on public computers or shared devices. If you use a public device, always log out when you are finished and clear your browser history.

Can I check someone else's disability status if I have power of attorney?

Only if the person has given you permission to access their my Social Security account. You cannot create an account for someone else or access their information without their username and password. If you are a representative payee or legal guardian, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what information Social Security can share with you.