Where to check your claim status

You can check the status of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim in three ways: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to wait for business hours or sit on hold.

To use my Social Security online, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one in about 10 minutes using your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Once logged in, select "Check Your process Status" from the dashboard. The system will show you the current stage of your claim and, if a decision has been made, the approval or denial letter.

If you prefer to call, dial 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are typically shorter before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. on weekdays. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator — though this usually means a longer wait than calling or checking online.

Key Takeaways

  • The my Social Security online portal shows your claim status in real time and is available any time of day without waiting on hold.
  • Your claim moves through five main stages: received, pending review, decision made, appeal filed, or closed, and the system tells you which one you are in.
  • Initial SSDI claims typically take three to five months to decide; SSI claims often take longer because they include a financial review.
  • If your claim shows "pending review" for longer than the expected timeline, contact Social Security to confirm they have all required documents.
  • You will receive an official decision letter by mail regardless of the outcome; the online status is not the final notice.

What each claim status means

Social Security uses five main status labels. "Received" means your process arrived and was logged into the system. This stage lasts a few days. "Pending review" means a claims examiner is reviewing your medical records and work history. This is the longest stage and is where your claim sits for most of the waiting period.

"Decision made" means the examiner has finished and Social Security is preparing your official letter. This stage usually lasts one to two weeks. "Appeal filed" appears only if you have requested a reconsideration or hearing after a denial. "Closed" means the claim process is finished — either you were approved and benefits started, or you were denied and your appeal rights have expired.

The online status does not always update the same day a decision is made. If your status shows "pending review" but you receive a decision letter in the mail, the letter is the official notice. Do not wait for the online status to change to "decision made" before opening your mail.

How long each stage typically takes

Initial SSDI claims usually take three to five months from process to decision. SSI claims often take longer — four to six months — because Social Security must verify your income and assets in addition to your medical condition. If you are explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time, Social Security processes them together, and the timeline follows the longer SSI schedule.

These timelines assume Social Security has all the medical records and other documents it needs. If records are missing, the examiner will request them from your doctor or hospital, which adds two to four weeks. You can speed this up by gathering and submitting records yourself before Social Security asks. Request records from every doctor, therapist, or hospital that has treated your condition in the past 12 months.

If your claim has been pending for longer than the typical timeline — more than six months for SSDI, more than seven for SSI — call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether Social Security is waiting for any documents from you or your medical providers. Sometimes records get lost in the mail or a provider does not respond to the request.

What to do if your status has not changed in weeks

If your online status has shown "pending review" for more than two months without any change, and you have not received a decision letter, take these steps. First, log into my Social Security and check whether there is a message asking you to submit additional information. Social Security sometimes posts requests there before sending a letter.

Second, call 1-800-772-1213 and give the representative your Social Security number. Ask them to confirm that your file is complete — that they have received all medical records, your work history, and any documents you submitted with your process. If records are missing, ask which ones and where to send them. Write down the representative's name, the date, and what they told you.

Third, if Social Security says records are missing but you already sent them, ask for the mailing address where you can resend them. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and a list of what you are sending. Keep a copy for your records. Do not assume a record arrived just because you mailed it.

Understanding the decision letter

When Social Security makes a decision, you will receive an official letter in the mail. This letter is your only proof of approval or denial — the online status is not enough for any purpose. Open it when ready and read it carefully, even if the decision is approval.

An approval letter states your monthly benefit amount, the date benefits start, and whether you were approved for SSDI, SSI, or both. It also explains what you must report to Social Security going forward — for example, changes in income, living situation, or medical treatment. Keep this letter in a safe place; you will need it to prove your status to employers, landlords, or other agencies.

A denial letter explains the reason you were denied. Common reasons include: your condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, your medical records do not show you cannot work, or your work history does not may have access to you for SSDI. The letter also tells you how to request reconsideration (a second review by a different examiner) and the important date to file — usually 60 days from the date on the letter. If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to appeal.

Tracking your appeal if your claim was denied

If you request reconsideration or file for a hearing after a denial, your claim status will change to "appeal filed." The timeline for an appeal is longer than the initial decision. Reconsideration takes two to three months. A hearing before an administrative law judge takes four to six months, sometimes longer if the judge's office has a backlog.

You can check your appeal status the same way you checked your initial claim status — through my Social Security online, by phone, or in person. The online system will show which stage your appeal is in: reconsideration pending, hearing scheduled, or decision made. If your hearing is scheduled, the notice will appear in your my Social Security messages before you receive a letter in the mail.

During an appeal, stay in contact with Social Security if your medical condition changes or you receive new treatment. You can submit updated medical records at any time before your hearing. These records may strengthen your case. If you hire a representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — they can submit records and communicate with Social Security on your behalf.

What to do after you receive a decision

If you are approved, your decision letter will tell you when benefits start. SSDI benefits usually begin the month after you are approved, though the exact date depends on when your disability began. SSI benefits may start sooner if you meet the financial limits. Do not assume benefits have been deposited until you see the money in your bank account or receive a payment notice.

If you are denied and you disagree with the decision, you have 60 days from the date on the letter to request reconsideration. This is a strict important date. If you miss it, you lose the right to appeal that particular process. Mark the important date on your calendar and submit your reconsideration request before that date. You can request reconsideration online through my Social Security, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

After you are approved and receiving benefits, you must report certain changes to Social Security within 10 days: a change in your address, a change in your bank account, a return to work, or a significant change in your medical condition. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you will have to repay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's claim status if I have power of attorney?

Yes, but you must first register that power of attorney with Social Security. Bring the original or certified copy of the power of attorney document to your local Social Security office, or mail it to the address on the back of the person's Social Security card. Once registered, you can check their status online using their account or by calling on their behalf.

Why does my online status say "pending review" but I received a denial letter?

The online status does not always update when ready after a decision is made. The official decision letter in the mail is what counts. If you received a denial letter, that is the final decision for that stage, regardless of what the website shows. You have 60 days from the letter's date to request reconsideration.

What if I never created a my Social Security account?

You can create one at any time by going to ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. The account takes about 10 minutes to set up. Once created, you can check your claim status when ready. If you have trouble creating an account, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for help.

Does checking my status online slow down my claim?

No. Checking your status does not affect how fast your claim is processed. You can check as often as you want without any impact on the timeline or the decision.

What should I do if the online system says my claim is closed but I never received a decision letter?

Call 1-800-772-1213 when ready and ask why your claim shows as closed. Request that they mail you a copy of the decision letter. If the letter was sent to an old address, ask Social Security to update your address and resend it. Keep a record of the call, including the date and the representative's name.