Where to Check Your Claim Status
You can check the status of your SSDI claim in three ways: through your online my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online account is the fastest route and shows you the most detail about what the agency has received and what it still needs from you.
To use my Social Security, go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" if you do not have one yet. You will need an email address and a phone number to set up the account. Once you are logged in, select "Check your process status" under the "Benefits" section. The page will show you the current stage of your claim and any documents Social Security is waiting for.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are 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 my Social Security account shows the exact stage of your claim and lists any documents Social Security still needs from you.
- The status page updates when Social Security receives documents, schedules a medical exam, or makes a decision on your claim.
- If your claim shows "pending" for longer than the typical timeline for your type of claim, contact Social Security to confirm they have all your medical records.
- A decision notice will arrive by mail — Social Security does not notify you of approval or denial by phone or email.
What Each Status Message Means
Social Security uses specific language to describe where your claim is in the process. "Received and processing" means the agency has your process but has not yet reviewed it in detail. This is the first stage and can last several weeks while Social Security gathers your medical records from doctors and hospitals.
"Pending decision" means Social Security has reviewed your medical evidence and is making a final information. This stage can take weeks or months depending on how straightforward your case is. If your condition is common and well-documented, the decision may come faster. If Social Security needs more information about your work history or medical treatment, this stage takes longer.
"Decision made" means Social Security has approved or denied your claim and the decision notice is being prepared. You will receive the official notice by mail within a few days of this status appearing online. Do not assume the decision is approval — you must read the notice to know the outcome.
How Long Each Stage Usually Takes
Initial SSDI claims typically take three to five months from the date you submit your process to the date Social Security makes a decision. This timeline assumes Social Security can obtain your medical records without delay and does not need to schedule you for a consultative exam.
The timeline varies based on how quickly your doctors respond to Social Security's requests for records. If you see a doctor regularly and that doctor's office responds promptly, your claim moves faster. If you have not seen a doctor in months or if your medical providers are slow to send records, the process slows down.
If Social Security schedules you for a consultative exam — a medical evaluation paid for by Social Security — add two to four weeks to the timeline. Social Security schedules these exams when your own medical records do not contain enough detail for a decision.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Stuck
If your claim has been pending for longer than five months and your status still shows "received and processing," contact Social Security to find out what is holding it up. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask specifically whether Social Security has received medical records from all your doctors. Many delays happen because medical offices do not send records, not because Social Security is slow.
If Social Security is still waiting for records, ask your doctor's office to fax or mail them directly to Social Security. You can also request that Social Security send a second request to any provider who has not yet responded. Get the name and fax number of the Social Security office handling your claim so you can follow up yourself.
If your claim has been pending for more than six months and Social Security says it has all your records, ask whether your case has been assigned to a disability examiner yet. Sometimes claims sit in a queue before review begins. Calling to ask about this can sometimes move your case forward, though there is no may provide.
Documents Social Security May Request During Review
While your claim is being reviewed, Social Security may ask you for additional documents. The most common requests are for recent medical records, a detailed work history, or clarification about your past jobs. When Social Security requests something, it will appear on your my Social Security account and you will also receive a letter in the mail.
Respond to these requests within the important date listed in the letter — usually 10 days. If you cannot meet the important date, call Social Security and ask for an extension. Sending documents late can delay your decision by weeks or months.
If Social Security asks for something you do not have or cannot obtain, explain that in writing and say why. For example, if Social Security asks for medical records from a doctor you saw 10 years ago and that office no longer exists, write a letter explaining that and submit it with whatever records you do have. Social Security will make a decision based on the evidence available.
What Happens After Social Security Makes a Decision
Social Security will mail you an official decision notice. If your claim is approved, the notice will state the date your benefits begin and the amount of your monthly payment. If your claim is denied, the notice will explain the reason and tell you how to file an appeal.
If you are approved, your first payment usually arrives within two weeks of the decision date. The payment goes to the bank account or address you listed on your process. If you need to update your payment information, log into my Social Security and select "Change direct deposit information" or call 1-800-772-1213.
If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the decision notice to file an appeal. The appeal process is separate from checking your claim status — you will need to submit a new form and may need to provide additional medical evidence.
How to Update Your Information While Your Claim Is Pending
If your address, phone number, or bank account changes while your claim is pending, update it in my Social Security right away. Go to your account settings and select "Change address" or "Change phone number." If you change your bank account, update that information too so your payment goes to the correct account when your claim is approved.
If your medical condition changes or you start seeing a new doctor, you do not need to contact Social Security — your claim is already based on your current condition. However, if you have new medical records that show significant improvement or worsening, you can submit them to Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask how to send additional medical evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my claim status?
Check your status once a week or whenever you receive a letter from Social Security. Checking more often will not speed up your claim. The status page updates only when Social Security receives new documents, schedules an exam, or makes a decision.
Will Social Security call me to tell me my decision?
No. Social Security notifies you of a decision only by mail. If someone calls claiming to be from Social Security with news about your claim, it is a scam. Hang up and report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
What if I cannot log into my Social Security account?
Go to ssa.gov and click "Forgot username or password" to reset your login. If you still cannot access your account, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to check your status over the phone. You do not need an online account to get information about your claim.
Can I check my claim status if someone else is handling my process?
Yes. If you have a representative, attorney, or family member helping with your claim, you can still log into my Social Security and check the status yourself. Your representative can also check the status using their own login if you have authorized them to do so.
What does "decision made" mean — is that approval or denial?
It means Social Security has finished reviewing your claim and is preparing the official notice. You will not know whether it is approval or denial until you receive the letter in the mail. The status page does not show the outcome, only that a decision has been reached.