Where to Check Your Claim Status
You can check your SSDI claim status in two ways: through your personal account on the Social Security website, or by calling Social Security directly. The online method is faster and available 24 hours a day. The phone method works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone.
To check online, go to ssa.gov and sign into your my Social Security account. This is a free account you create with your Social Security number, email address, and a password. Once you are logged in, you can see the status of any claim you have filed, including the date it was received and what stage it is in. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. It takes about 10 minutes and you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license or passport number.
Key Takeaways
- Your my Social Security account shows your claim status 24 hours a day and tells you exactly which stage your case is in.
- You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak to someone about your claim, though wait times are often long.
- The status page will tell you if Social Security needs more information from you, and it will show a important date for sending it.
- Initial claims usually take 3 to 6 months to decide, but cases that go to appeal can take 1 to 2 years or longer.
- If your status has not changed in several months and you have sent in all requested documents, contact your local Social Security office in person.
What Each Claim Status Means
Social Security uses specific status labels to tell you where your case stands. "Pending" means your claim is still being reviewed and no decision has been made yet. This is the most common status for new claims. "More information needed" means Social Security has asked you for documents or records and is waiting for you to send them. This status will include a important date — usually 10 days from the date they sent the request.
"Approved" means Social Security has decided you meet the requirements for SSDI and your benefits will begin. The status page will show the date your benefits start and your monthly payment amount. "Denied" means Social Security has decided you do not meet the medical or work requirements, and your claim has been closed. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. If your case goes to appeal, the status will change to "Appeal pending" or "Reconsideration pending," depending on which level of appeal you filed. These statuses can stay the same for many months while a different reviewer looks at your case.
How to Respond If Social Security Asks for More Information
When your status shows "More information needed," the my Social Security account will list exactly what documents Social Security is asking for. Common requests include medical records from your doctor, hospital discharge summaries, lab results, or work history details. The important date to send these documents is shown on the same page. You can upload documents directly through your my Social Security account if you have them in digital form (PDF, JPG, or PNG files).
If you do not have digital copies, you can mail them to the address shown on the request letter, or take them in person to your local Social Security office. Keep a copy for your own records. If you miss the important date, your claim may be denied for lack of information. If this happens, you can still appeal and request that Social Security reopen your case. However, it is much faster to send the documents on time if you can.
Calling Social Security About Your Claim
You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your claim status. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak Spanish, press 2 when you call the main number. Wait times are often 30 minutes or longer, especially early in the week and early in the month.
You can request a callback instead of waiting on hold — the representative will call you back at a time you choose, usually within one business day. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. The representative can tell you the same information that appears in your my Social Security account, but they cannot speed up your case or change your status. If you need a document sent or a request clarified, the phone call is useful. If you just need to know where your case stands, the online account is faster.
Visiting Your Local Social Security Office
If your claim status has not changed in several months, or if you have sent in documents but your status still shows "More information needed," you can visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and any documents you have already sent or plan to send. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do. Call ahead or check the office website to see if you need one.
Bring a printed copy of your my Social Security account status page if you have it — this helps the representative see exactly what stage your case is in. An in-person visit is most useful if you believe Social Security lost a document you sent, or if you need help understanding what information they are asking for. The office staff cannot make a decision on your case, but they can check whether your documents were received and sometimes can send a follow-up request to the decision-making team.
Timeline Expectations for Different Claim Stages
The time it takes to receive a decision depends on which stage your claim is in and whether you need to appeal. Initial claims typically take 3 to 6 months from the date you file. If Social Security asks for more information, you usually have 10 days to respond, and the decision comes within a few weeks after you send the documents. If your claim is denied and you appeal, expect the reconsideration stage to take another 3 to 6 months.
If reconsideration is also denied, a hearing before an administrative law judge can take 6 months to 2 years depending on how busy the judge's office is. An Appeals Council review after that takes another 6 months to 1 year. These timelines are typical but not may provide. Cases with straightforward medical evidence move faster. Cases that require medical exams or informed opinions take longer.
| Claim Stage | Typical Timeline | What Happens Next |
|---|---|---|
| Initial claim filed | 3 to 6 months | Social Security reviews your medical records and work history |
| More information requested | 10 days to respond (your important date) | Decision made after you send documents, or claim denied if you miss important date |
| Reconsideration appeal (if denied) | 3 to 6 months | A different reviewer looks at your case from the start |
| Hearing before judge (if reconsideration denied) | 6 months to 2 years | Administrative law judge reviews your case and holds a hearing |
| Appeals Council review (if hearing denied) | 6 months to 1 year | Final review before federal court is an option |
What to Do If Your Status Does Not Change
If your claim status has shown "Pending" for more than 6 months without any request for more information, or if you sent documents weeks ago and the status has not updated, contact Social Security. Start with a phone call to 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether your documents were received. If the representative says they were, ask them to send a note to the decision-making team asking for a status update. Do not assume no news is good news — Social Security cases can get stuck in a queue or a document can be misfiled.
If the phone call does not help, visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring proof that you sent the documents — a mailing receipt, email confirmation, or a list of what you uploaded through your account. The office can check the case file and sometimes can escalate your case if it has been delayed. Checking in every few months, especially after you send documents, helps catch problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my claim status without creating a my Social Security account?
No, you must have a my Social Security account to check your status online. You can call 1-800-772-1213 instead, but you will need to wait on hold. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and is free.
Why does my status say "More information needed" but I already sent those documents?
The status may not have updated yet — it can take a few days after you upload or mail documents for the system to show that they were received. If more than a week has passed, call Social Security to confirm they have the documents. If they say they do not have them, ask what you should do next.
How often should I check my claim status?
Check once a month, or when ready after you send documents to Social Security. If your status changes or a important date appears, you will see it right away. Checking more often will not speed up your case.
What if I lost my password for my Social Security account?
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot your password?" You will be asked to verify your identity using your email address or phone number. Social Security will send you a link to create a new password.
Can I check my claim status on behalf of someone else?
Only if you have power of attorney or are a legal representative. Otherwise, the person filing the claim must check their own status. If you are helping someone who cannot access the internet, you can call Social Security together and ask them to discuss the case with you present.