Where to check your SSDI status
You can check whether Social Security is reviewing your SSDI process by logging into your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov. This is the official portal Social Security uses to show applicants the current stage of their case. You do not need to call or visit an office — the status updates there first.
To log in, you will need a username and password, or you can use a third-party login like Login.gov. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one on the same page. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity using your email address, phone number, or a one-time code.
Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "My Requests" or "My Applications." This shows every SSDI case you have filed, the date you filed it, and the current status. The status will tell you whether Social Security is still reviewing your case, whether they have made a decision, or whether they need more information from you.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your process status — this is faster and more current than calling.
- The status page will show you whether Social Security is still reviewing, has made a decision, or is waiting for documents from you.
- If the status says "More Information Needed," you will see what documents or forms Social Security is asking for and the important date to send them.
- SSDI applications typically take three to six months to review, though cases involving medical evidence or work history can take longer.
- If your status has not changed in over six months, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your case is still active.
What each status message means
Social Security uses specific status labels to describe where your case stands. Understanding what each one means helps you know whether you need to take action or straightforward wait.
"process Received" means Social Security has logged your SSDI process into their system but has not yet assigned it to a claims examiner. This is the first stage and typically lasts a few days to a week. You should see the status change to "Under Review" soon after.
"Under Review" means a claims examiner is actively looking at your medical records, work history, and the forms you submitted. This stage usually takes two to four months. During this time, Social Security may request additional medical evidence from your doctors or ask you to complete forms about your work history.
"More Information Needed" means Social Security cannot make a decision without additional documents or details from you. The status page will list exactly what they are asking for and will show a important date — usually 10 to 30 days from the date the request was sent. If you miss this important date, Social Security may deny your process without reviewing it fully. Send the requested documents to the address shown on the notice, or upload them directly through your my Social Security account if that option is available.
"Decision Made" means Social Security has finished reviewing your case and reached an approval or denial decision. The status page will not show the actual decision — you must check your mail for the official notice, which typically arrives within one to two weeks after the status changes. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what the decision was.
When to contact Social Security directly
Most questions about your process can be answered by checking your my Social Security account status. However, some situations require you to reach out to Social Security in person or by phone.
Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 if your status has not changed in more than six months, if you submitted documents but the status still says "More Information Needed" after two weeks, or if you received a notice asking for information but do not understand what they are asking for. You can also call if you need to update your contact information, such as a new phone number or mailing address.
When you call, have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays. If you prefer to meet in person, you can find your local office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the office website before you go.
How long SSDI decisions typically take
The timeline for an SSDI decision depends on how straightforward your medical condition is and how quickly your doctors respond to Social Security's requests for records.
Initial applications usually take three to six months from the date you file. Cases involving conditions that are clearly documented in medical records — such as terminal cancer or recent major surgery — may be decided faster, sometimes within two to three months. Cases involving conditions that require more detailed medical evidence, such as chronic pain or mental health conditions, often take longer and may reach six months or beyond.
If Social Security requests additional medical evidence, add two to four weeks to the timeline for each request. If your doctors are slow to respond, the review period extends further. You can speed this up by contacting your doctors directly and asking them to send their records to Social Security as soon as possible.
What happens after Social Security makes a decision
Once Social Security reaches a decision, you will receive an official notice in the mail. This notice will state whether you were approved or denied, and it will explain the reason for the decision.
If you were approved, the notice will tell you when your benefits will start and how much your monthly payment will be. SSDI payments typically begin the month after you are approved, though some cases have a waiting period. The notice will also explain how to set up direct deposit so your payments go into your bank account automatically.
If you were denied, the notice will explain which parts of Social Security's rules you did not meet. You have the right to file an appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial notice. The appeal process has several stages: reconsideration (Social Security reviews the case again), a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals if needed. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney to help with appeals, and you can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my medical records through my Social Security account?
No, your my Social Security account only shows your process status and personal information. To see what medical records Social Security has received, you must request them directly from Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office and ask for a copy of your file. There is no charge for this request.
What if my status says "More Information Needed" but I already sent those documents?
The status page may not update when ready after you send documents. Wait one to two weeks, then check again. If the status still says "More Information Needed," call 1-800-772-1213 and confirm that Social Security received your documents. Ask them to note in your file that you submitted them and ask for a new important date if needed.
Does my status change on weekends or holidays?
Social Security offices are closed on weekends and federal holidays, so status updates typically occur only on business days. If you check your account on a Saturday and see no change, check again on Monday. Major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas may cause delays in status updates.
Can someone else check my process status for me?
Only you can log into your my Social Security account to see your status. If you want someone else to help you, you can authorize a representative or attorney to work on your case by filing a form SSA-1696 with Social Security. Once approved, your representative can call Social Security on your behalf and receive updates about your case.
What if I never received my approval or denial notice in the mail?
Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask Social Security to confirm the decision and resend the notice to your address. If you have moved since you filed, update your address in your my Social Security account or call to update it by phone. If you still do not receive the notice after two weeks, visit your local Social Security office in person.