Where to check your claim status

You can check on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim in three ways: online through your personal account, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The fastest method is usually online if you have already set up an account. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes.

To check online, log into your Social Security account, go to "My Requests," and look for your disability claim. The page will show you what stage your claim is in — whether it is still being reviewed, whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made a decision, or whether they are waiting for information from you. This same page tells you the date you filed and the date you should expect a decision, if one has not been made yet.

If you do not want to use the website, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number ready. The wait time is usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.

Key Takeaways

  • Your online Social Security account shows your claim status in real time and tells you what stage your case is in without waiting on hold.
  • The SSA will contact you if they need more information from you — check your mail and listen for calls from numbers you do not recognize, because they may be from Social Security.
  • Initial claims typically take three to five months to decide, but cases involving medical evidence or a hearing can take much longer.
  • If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal, and you can work with a disability representative to help with the next step.

What each claim stage means

When you check your status online or by phone, Social Security will tell you which stage your claim is in. Understanding what each stage means helps you know what to expect next and whether you need to take action.

Received: The SSA has your process and has started the initial review. They are checking that you filed the form correctly and that you meet the basic requirements (you are insured under Social Security, you are the right age, and you have not reached full retirement age). This stage usually lasts a few weeks.

Under Review: A disability examiner is now looking at your medical records and work history. They are gathering documents from your doctors and hospitals, reviewing your past jobs, and deciding whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This is the longest stage for most people and can take two to four months or longer.

Pending Decision: Your case is in the final stages of review. The examiner has gathered the medical evidence and is writing the decision. You should hear back within a few weeks.

Decision Made: Social Security has decided to approve or deny your claim. The decision letter is in the mail or has already arrived. Read it carefully, because it explains why they made their decision and what to do if you disagree.

What to do if Social Security asks for more information

During the review, Social Security may contact you asking for medical records, work history, or other documents. They might call you, send you a letter, or both. If you miss a important date to send information, your claim can be denied, so respond as soon as you can.

If you receive a letter asking for documents, it will have a important date — usually 10 days. Gather what they asked for and send it back by mail or fax. Keep a copy for yourself. If you cannot find a document, write a short note explaining why and send that instead. Social Security can sometimes get the records directly from your doctor or employer if you give permission.

If Social Security calls and you are not sure whether the caller is real, ask for their name, the office they work in, and a callback number. Then hang up and call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 to verify. Do not give personal information to someone who calls you first, even if they sound official.

How long decisions usually take

The time it takes to get a decision varies widely depending on how complex your case is and how busy your local Social Security office is. Initial claims — the first time you file — typically take three to five months. Some cases move faster if your medical condition clearly meets Social Security's rules. Others take longer if your condition is harder to evaluate or if you have a complicated work history.

If your case goes to a hearing in front of a judge (because you were denied and appealed), the wait is much longer. Hearing wait times vary by region but often range from several months to over a year. You can check the average wait time for hearings in your area on the Social Security website.

While you wait, keep copies of everything you send to Social Security. Write down the dates you mailed documents and keep a list of what you sent. If Social Security says they never received something, you will have proof that you sent it.

Understanding your decision letter

When Social Security makes a decision, they send you a letter explaining it. Read this letter carefully, because it tells you what happens next and what your rights are.

If you are approved, the letter says when your benefits will start and how much you will receive each month. It also explains Medicare coverage (you become may be able to access for Medicare after you have been on SSDI for two years). Keep this letter — you may need it to prove you are on disability to other agencies or employers.

If you are denied, the letter explains the reason. Common reasons include: your condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, you have not been disabled long enough, your medical records do not support your claim, or you earn too much money. The letter also tells you that you have 60 days to appeal. Do not wait — if you want to challenge the decision, you must file an appeal within that window or you lose your right to appeal based on the original process date.

What to do if your claim is denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have four ways to respond: reconsideration, hearing, appeals council review, or federal court. Most people start with reconsideration, which means asking Social Security to look at your case again. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration.

To request reconsideration, fill out Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and mail it to the address on your denial letter. Include any new medical evidence that has come in since your first process. A different examiner will review your case. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing in front of a judge.

Many people work with a disability representative during an appeal. A representative can be a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or someone from a disability organization. They charge a fee only if you win (usually 25 percent of your back pay, up to a legal maximum). You can find representatives through your state's protection and advocacy agency or through organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives.

Tracking your claim after approval

After you are approved, your benefits start on a specific date. Your first check may be smaller than later checks because it covers only part of a month. After that, you receive a payment each month, usually by direct deposit.

Keep track of your benefit amount and check your statement each year. You can view your Social Security Statement online in your account. It shows your earnings history and your current benefit amount. If something looks wrong — if your benefit amount changed without explanation, or if your earnings record is incorrect — contact Social Security right away.

You also need to report certain changes to Social Security, such as if you start working, if you get married or divorced, or if you move. Failing to report changes can result in an overpayment that you will have to repay later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my claim status?

Check once a month if your claim is still under review. If the status has not changed in several months and you have not heard from Social Security asking for more information, call them to make sure your file is moving. After you are approved, you do not need to check as often — once a year is fine to verify your benefit amount is correct.

What if the website says my claim status is unknown?

This usually means your claim is very new (less than a week old) or there is a technical problem. Wait a few days and check again. If it still says unknown after a week, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm they received your process.

Can I check my claim status if someone else filed on my behalf?

Yes, if you have a Social Security account. You can also call Social Security and give them your Social Security number. If you do not have an account and did not file yourself, ask the person who filed to help you set one up or to check the status for you.

What does it mean if Social Security calls me during my claim review?

They may be calling to verify information on your process, to ask follow-up questions about your medical condition or work history, or to tell you they need more documents. Write down the date, time, and what they said. If they ask you to send documents, ask them to send a written request as well so you have a record of the important date.

Is there a way to speed up my claim decision?

You cannot speed up the initial review process, but you can help by responding quickly to any requests for information. Delays usually happen when Social Security is waiting for medical records or other documents from you. The faster you send what they ask for, the faster they can make a decision.