Where to check your SSDI claim status
You can check your SSDI claim status in three ways: through your personal account on the Social Security website, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. The online method is fastest if you have internet access and a Social Security account set up.
To check online, go to ssa.gov and sign in to your "my Social Security" account using your username and password. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one on that same page. Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled "Benefit process Status" or "My Requests" — the exact wording changes, but it will show you the current status of any claim you've submitted.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the Social Security Administration's main number at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays. A representative will look up your claim and tell you where it stands.
- Your online "my Social Security" account shows your claim status when ready without waiting on hold, and you can check it any time of day.
- The phone line 1-800-772-1213 will connect you to someone who can answer questions about your specific claim, though wait times vary.
- Your local Social Security office can also check your status in person, which is useful if you need to submit documents or ask detailed questions.
- Claim status typically moves through stages like "received," "under review," and "decision made," but the exact labels vary depending on your situation.
- If your claim has been pending for longer than the typical timeframe for your state, asking about a status update can sometimes speed things along.
What the different claim statuses mean
Social Security uses different status labels depending on where your claim is in the review process. When you first submit your claim, the status will usually say something like "received" or "in progress." This means Social Security has your paperwork and has started looking at it.
After a few weeks, the status may change to "under review" or "being processed." This is the longest part of the wait. During this time, Social Security is examining your medical records, work history, and other documents you submitted. They may also request additional information from you or from your doctors.
Once Social Security has made a decision, the status will change to "decision made" or "approved" or "denied." If approved, you'll see information about when your benefits start and how much you'll receive each month. If denied, you'll see information about how to request reconsideration.
How long the review typically takes
The time between submitting your claim and getting a decision varies widely. For initial SSDI claims, the average wait is three to six months, though some cases move faster and others take longer. Cases involving medical conditions that are clearly disabling may be decided more quickly. Cases that require more investigation or additional medical records often take longer.
If you're waiting longer than six months and your status still shows "under review," you can contact Social Security to ask whether there's anything holding up your case. Sometimes they're waiting for records from a doctor or hospital, and a phone call can prompt them to follow up. Other times the delay is straightforward the volume of claims being processed.
Once you receive a decision, you have a limited window to request reconsideration if you're denied. The exact timeframe depends on your state, but it's typically 60 days from the date on your decision letter. If you miss that window, you can still appeal, but the process becomes more complicated.
What to do if your status hasn't changed in a long time
If your claim status has shown "under review" for more than six months, or if you haven't received any communication from Social Security in several weeks, it's reasonable to reach out. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with someone about your specific case. Have your Social Security number ready.
When you call, ask whether Social Security is waiting for anything from you — medical records, a doctor's statement, or other documents. If they are, ask what exactly they need and where to send it. If they're not waiting for anything from you, ask whether there's a reason for the delay and whether there's anything that can speed up the review.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and your decision letter or any correspondence from Social Security about your claim. An office representative can look at your file and sometimes identify what's causing a delay.
Tracking your claim between status updates
Between the times your status changes, you won't see much detail in the online system. But you can keep track of your own timeline by saving copies of everything you submit and noting the dates. Keep a folder with your original process, any medical records you sent, letters from doctors, and any correspondence from Social Security.
If Social Security requests additional information, they'll usually send you a letter explaining what they need and when they need it by. Save that letter. If you submit documents by mail, consider sending them certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Take a photo of the envelope before you mail it.
This record becomes important if your claim is denied and you decide to request reconsideration or appeal. You'll need to show what you submitted and when, and having your own copies means you don't have to wait for Social Security to send them to you.
Understanding your decision letter
When Social Security makes a decision on your claim, they send you a letter explaining it. If you're approved, the letter will say so clearly and will include the date your benefits start and your monthly payment amount. It will also explain what happens next — usually that you'll receive your first payment on a specific date.
If you're denied, the letter will explain the reason. Common reasons include that Social Security determined your condition doesn't meet their definition of disability, that you haven't been disabled long enough, or that your work history doesn't may have access to you for SSDI. The letter will also explain your right to request reconsideration and the important date for doing so.
Read the decision letter carefully, even if it's hard to understand. It contains important information about next steps and important date. If anything is unclear, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an explanation. You can also bring the letter to your local Social Security office and ask someone to walk you through it.
When to consider getting help with your claim
If your claim is denied and you're thinking about requesting reconsideration or appealing, you may want to talk to someone who specializes in SSDI cases. This could be a disability advocate, a lawyer, or a non-profit organization that helps people with disability claims. Many of these services are free or work on a fee basis only if you win.
You don't need a lawyer to request reconsideration or to appeal, but having someone review your case and help you gather stronger medical evidence can make a real difference. If you're approved on reconsideration or appeal, Social Security will pay your representative's fee from your back pay, so you won't pay out of pocket.
To find a representative in your area, you can search the Social Security Administration's list of approved representatives on their website, or contact your local disability rights organization. Many communities have free legal aid organizations that help with SSDI cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my SSDI claim status without creating an online account?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will look up your claim status over the phone. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. The online account is fastest, but it's not required.
What does "decision made" mean — does that always mean I was approved?
No. "Decision made" means Social Security has finished reviewing your claim and reached a conclusion, but that conclusion could be approval or denial. You'll need to read the letter they send you or log into your account to see which it is.
How often should I check my claim status?
Checking once a week or once every two weeks is reasonable. Checking multiple times a day won't speed up the process. If your status hasn't changed in more than a month, that's normal — the review process takes time.
What if I moved and Social Security is trying to reach me?
Call 1-800-772-1213 right away and update your address. You can also update it online in your "my Social Security" account. If Social Security has been trying to contact you and you haven't responded, it could delay your claim.
Can I withdraw my claim and reapply if it's taking too long?
You can withdraw your claim, but it usually doesn't help. If you reapply, you start over from the beginning, which means another wait. It's better to wait for a decision on your current claim, even if it takes several months.