Where to Check Your SSDI Status
You can check your SSDI status in two ways: through your personal my Social Security account online, 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 to speak with someone.
Your my Social Security account shows the current status of any claim you have filed, the date Social Security received it, and whether they have requested documents from you. If you have not yet created an account, you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file).
If you are checking on a claim someone else filed on your behalf — such as a parent or representative — you will need to be listed on that claim first. Social Security does not show you another person's case unless you have power of attorney or are an authorized representative.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your claim status, messages from Social Security, and any documents they are asking for.
- Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with someone who can tell you the status of your claim and answer questions about what happens next.
- Status updates appear in your account within one to two business days of Social Security taking action on your claim.
- If Social Security requests documents, they will show up in your account message center, and you have a important date to send them back (usually 10 days).
- The status page does not show estimated payment amounts — that information comes in a separate notice once your claim is approved.
Setting Up Your my Social Security Account
Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a password. Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by receiving a code on your phone.
Once your account is set up, log in and select "View my claim status" or "My Requests." This page shows every claim you have filed with Social Security — whether for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Next to each claim, you will see a status label such as "In Review," "More Information Needed," or "Approved."
If the status says "More Information Needed," click on that claim to see what documents Social Security is asking for and the important date to send them. Missing a important date can delay your claim or cause Social Security to deny it, so check your account at least once a week while your claim is being reviewed.
What Each Status Label Means
Social Security uses several status labels, and each one tells you where your claim stands in the review process.
| Status Label | What It Means | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| In Review | Social Security is examining your medical records and work history. No action from you is needed yet. | Check back in one to two weeks. If it stays "In Review" for more than 60 days, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask how much longer it will take. |
| More Information Needed | Social Security needs documents from you — usually medical records, work history, or birth certificate. A important date will be listed. | Gather the documents and send them before the important date. You can upload them in your account or mail them to the address shown. |
| Approved | Your claim has been approved. You will receive a formal approval notice in the mail within one to two weeks. | Wait for the notice, which will show your payment amount and start date. Your first payment usually arrives within two weeks of the approval date. |
| Denied | Social Security has decided you do not meet the requirements for SSDI. A denial notice will arrive in the mail. | Read the denial notice carefully. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal if you disagree. |
| Pending Decision | Your case has been sent to a judge or decision-maker. This usually means your initial claim was denied and you appealed. | Wait for a decision notice. This can take several months. Do not contact Social Security unless you have new medical evidence to submit. |
Checking Status by Phone
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.
When you call, a representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your date of birth, mother's maiden name, or other personal information. They will then pull up your claim and tell you the current status, any documents Social Security is waiting for, and an estimated timeline for a decision.
Phone wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you reach a busy signal, Social Security will not put you in a queue — you will have to call back. Calling back when ready usually connects you faster than waiting.
What to Do If Your Status Does Not Change
If your claim has been "In Review" for more than 60 days, or if the status has not changed in two weeks, contact Social Security. This does not mean your claim is denied — it may mean Social Security is waiting for medical records from your doctor, or the case is moving through the normal review process more slowly than expected.
When you call, ask specifically how much longer the review will take and whether Social Security is waiting for anything from you. If they are waiting for medical records, ask them to contact your doctor's office directly. If your doctor is slow to respond, you can send the records yourself to speed things up.
Keep a record of every call you make — write down the date, time, the representative's name (if they give it), and what they told you. If your claim takes longer than expected and you later file an appeal, this record can help show that you have been following up.
Understanding Claim Status for Appeals
If your initial claim was denied, the status page will change once you file an appeal. The label will shift to "Pending Decision" or "Appeal in Progress," depending on which level of appeal you filed.
There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Each level has its own timeline. A reconsideration usually takes 3 to 6 months. A hearing before a judge can take 1 to 2 years, depending on how busy the judge's office is in your state.
Your my Social Security account will not show detailed information about which appeal level you are at. For that, you will need to call Social Security or check the appeal notice they sent you in the mail. The notice will tell you which office is handling your appeal and how to contact them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my status update?
Social Security updates your status within one to two business days of taking action on your claim — such as receiving documents from you or requesting records from your doctor. If nothing has changed, the status will stay the same. Checking more than once a week will not show you anything new.
Can I see my estimated payment amount in my account?
No. Your my Social Security account shows only the status of your claim, not the payment amount. Once your claim is approved, Social Security will mail you a formal approval notice that includes your monthly payment amount and the date your payments will start.
What if I forgot my my Social Security password?
Go to ssa.gov and select "Forgot username or password?" on the login page. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password by email. If you do not have access to the email address you used to create the account, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access.
Does my status change if I report a change in my income or living situation?
No. Your claim status does not change when you report changes to Social Security. The status page only reflects the progress of your claim review or appeal. If you need to report a change — such as going back to work or moving — you can do that in your account under "Manage your benefits," but it will not show up as a status change.
What if my claim status says "Approved" but I have not received a payment yet?
Payments usually arrive within two weeks of the approval date. If more than two weeks have passed, check your bank account to see if the payment was deposited. If you receive benefits by check instead of direct deposit, allow an extra week for mail delivery. If you still have not received payment after three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your payment method and address.