Where to check your SSDI or SSI status

You can check the status of your SSDI or SSI case through my Social Security, the official Social Security Administration website. This is the fastest way to see where your case stands without calling or visiting an office.

To use my Social Security, you need to create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security. Once you log in, you can see the status of any pending process, recent decisions, and payment information if you are already receiving benefits.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the morning.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount shows your case status in real time without waiting on hold.
  • You will need to create a login using your Social Security number and a way to verify your identity, which takes about 10 minutes the first time.
  • The status page tells you whether your case is pending, approved, or denied, and when a decision was made.
  • If you cannot access the website, calling 1-800-772-1213 will connect you to someone who can look up your case, though wait times vary.

What information you will see in your account

Once you log into my Social Security, you can see several pieces of information about your case. If you have a pending process, the page will show the date you filed, what type of benefit you applied for (SSDI or SSI), and the current status — such as "pending review" or "waiting for medical evidence."

If your case has been decided, you will see the decision date and the outcome. The page also shows any letters Social Security has sent you, which you can read and print. These letters include approval notices, denial notices, and requests for more information.

For people already receiving SSDI or SSI, my Social Security displays your monthly payment amount, the date it is deposited, and a record of recent payments. You can also see your current work activity if you are working while receiving benefits, which matters for SSDI work incentives.

Creating and securing your my Social Security account

To create an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will enter your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth. Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity using one of several methods: confirming information from your credit report, uploading a photo ID, or using a video call with a Social Security representative.

The fastest verification method is usually the credit report option, which asks you questions only you should know the answers to — like which bank you used in 2015 or the amount of a past loan. This takes a few minutes and you get access to your account when ready.

Once your account is set up, use a strong password and do not share your login with anyone. Social Security will never ask for your password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or personal information, hang up or close the email — it is a scam.

Checking status if you applied through a representative

If you filed your process through a lawyer or non-lawyer representative, you can still check your status through my Social Security using your own account. Your representative also receives copies of all letters and decisions Social Security sends, so you can ask them for updates at any time.

Some representatives have their own online portals where they track cases for their clients. Ask your representative whether they offer this. Either way, your my Social Security account is always available to you and shows the same information Social Security has.

What to do if your status shows a request for more information

Sometimes the status page will show that Social Security is waiting for medical records, work history, or other documents from you. The page usually includes a important date — often 10 days from the date the request was sent. If you see this status, gather the requested documents and send them as soon as you can.

You can upload documents directly through my Social Security if you have them in digital form (PDF, JPG, or PNG). If you do not have them digitally, you can mail them to the address shown in the request letter, which you can read from your account. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you sent them.

If you miss the important date, your case may be denied for lack of information. If this happens, you can ask Social Security to reopen your case, usually within one year of the denial. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to request this.

When to call instead of checking online

My Social Security works well for checking status, but some situations require a phone call. If your status has not changed in several weeks and you believe it should have, or if you see an error in the information displayed, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone who can investigate.

You should also call if you have questions about what a particular status message means, if you need to report a change in your circumstances (like a new address or work activity), or if you want to know what specific documents Social Security is still waiting for. A representative can often provide more detail than what appears on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my status update online?

My Social Security updates throughout the business day as Social Security processes cases and makes decisions. If you checked this morning and nothing has changed, checking again in the afternoon may show an update. Major status changes — like a decision being made — usually appear within one business day of the action.

Can I check someone else's status if I have their permission?

No. Each person must log into their own my Social Security account using their own Social Security number and identity verification. If you are helping someone manage their case, ask them to log in and show you the status, or have them contact Social Security directly to authorize you as their representative.

What if I forgot my password?

Click "Forgot password?" on the my Social Security login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you no longer have access to that email, you can create a new account using a different email address and go through identity verification again.

Does checking my status online affect my case in any way?

No. Logging into my Social Security and viewing your case information does not change anything about your process or benefits. You can check as often as you want without any impact on your case.

What if the website says my case is denied but I did not receive a letter?

read and print the decision letter from your my Social Security account — it is the official notice. If you received a denial and want to challenge it, you have 60 days from the date on that letter to file an appeal. Contact your local Social Security office or a disability representative to start the appeal process.