How to Check Your Social Security Disability Claim Status
The Social Security disability application process can seem to go on forever when you’re awaiting a decision. In addition, trying to track down your Social Security disability claim status can be downright confusing if you don’t know where to look. Find out how to check on an SSDI claim application status at every step of the process with this guide from Social Security Disability Advocates USA.
Checking Your Application Status After Applying for SSDI
If this is your first time applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you may be wondering how long it will take the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive, process, and make a decision on your application.
According to the SSA, it can take from 30 days to 90 days to come to a decision on an initial application. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not uncommon for this process to take as long as six months. This can happen if your case needs additional verification, has errors, or if there’s a large backlog of applications when you apply. Note: if your condition is severe enough, you may qualify for compassionate allowance, which will expedite this process.
When you first submit your SSDI application either online, by phone, or in person, the application will be forwarded to Disability Determination Services (DDS), which are federally-funded, state-run agencies. DDS will assign a claims examiner to your case. Following the receipt of your application, you or your attorney will receive a phone call and additional paperwork to complete. This will let you know that the process is moving forward.
When to Start Checking Your SSDI Application Status
It’s good practice to begin periodically checking on the status of your disability claim approximately a month after submitting it. Doing so will make sure you know as soon as possible if the approval process has stalled for any reason, like needing additional medical documentation of your condition. The sooner you address potential issues, the more quickly and efficiently your application will be processed. There are multiple ways to check your SSDI application status, whether you’re computer savvy or not.
Check the Status of Your SSDI Claim Online
The fastest and easiest way to check your Social Security disability claim status is to log in to your my Social Security account. Even if you didn’t complete the application process online, you can still create a my Social Security account after the fact in order to view the current status of your claim.
To create an account, you’ll need to provide a valid email address, your Social Security number, and a U.S. mailing address. You must also be at least 18 years old. Here is the step-by-step process to accessing your claim status using your my Social Security account.
- After you log in, navigate to the My Home page.
- Scroll down to the section called Your Benefit Applications.
- Select View More under the heading called More Info.
- You’ll be able to see the status of your application under the Current Status section.
Your my Social Security account will show pertinent information about your case, including your re-entry number (if you started an application online but have not yet finished it), the date the SSA received your application or subsequent appeals, scheduled hearing dates and times, the name and location of the field office processing your application or appeal, and whether or not a decision has been made in your case.
Call Your Local SSA Field Office
Although the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many SSA office closures, you may still be able to reach a representative from your local field office by phone. If you know the name of the disability examiner assigned to your case, you may also be able to contact them directly.
Call the Social Security Administration For Status Updates
If you are unable to check your disability claim status online or by contacting your local field office, you can contact the SSA directly by phone. Hint: to avoid longer wait times, try the automated telephone services first.
- Automated Telephone Service:1-800-772-1213
Call this toll-free number to find out your disability claim status 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - Social Security Representative: 1-800-772-1213*
Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. - TTY for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 1-800-325-0778
Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. - For Those Living Outside the U.S.: 410-965-0160
English-speaking representatives are available between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.
*You must go through the automated telephone service before speaking to a live agent. To speak to a Social Security representative, say “disability” when the operator asks why you are calling. When the operator asks what information you are looking for about disability, say “Something else” to be rerouted to a live agent.
Still need help? The SSA provides special assistance and notifications for those who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. They also provide free interpreter services. Click here for details.
Talk To Your Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you are working with an experienced Social Security disability attorney, you can expect to be kept in the loop by your legal counsel, who will be paying close attention to any and all developments in your disability claim. If you’re not sure whether or not you need a lawyer, you can arrange a legal consultation regarding your case at no cost by choosing one of the options below.
Checking Your Claim Status After Requesting a Reconsideration
More often than not, first time SSDI applicants are denied for a myriad of reasons. If this happens to you, don’t give up. You’ll have 60 days following the receipt of your denial letter to file a request for reconsideration. Again, this can be a lengthy process, one which you’ll want to check in on regularly.
To check the status of your disability claim after requesting a reconsideration, talk to your lawyer, call your local SSA field office, or contact your new DDS claims examiner. You can also check your claim status by logging into your my Social Security account online.
Checking Your Disability Appeal Status After Requesting a Hearing
If your claim is denied after requesting a reconsideration, you can then appeal an SSA decision. Once you’ve requested a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ), you’ll wait to receive a notice of the date, time, and place of your disability hearing.
You’ll be notified of this appeal information in writing via U.S. mail, but you can also access this information online by logging in to your my Social Security account. If you have additional questions, you can contact the SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Utilize the contact information sent directly to you in your hearing notice.
Checking Your Disability Claim Status After Requesting an Appeals Council Review
If an administrative law judge denies your claim, you can still request an Appeals Council Review. At this point, it is strongly recommended to retain the services of a Social Security disability lawyer for the best case results. Your legal counsel will keep you up to date on the status of your claim if you get to this point in the appeals process.
Still, you can be proactive and verify that the Appeals Council has received your request for review by calling the SSA Claimant and Public Assistance Branch at 703-605-8000 or toll-free at 1-877-670-2722.
Checking Your Case Status After Filing a Federal Court Appeal
If all else fails, you can file a civil lawsuit against the Social Security Administration. For this last step of the appeals process, your attorney or legal team will be with you every step of the way to keep you informed about the status of your case.
How Working With An Attorney Can Help Your Case
Whether you’re applying for disability for the first time or appealing a denial, a trained Social Security disability lawyer can not only help you qualify for benefits, but also ensure that you receive the maximum disability benefits amounts based on your eligibility.
To find out more, contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA by calling 602-952-3200. Representatives are standing by 24/7 via LiveChat to answer any questions you may have. You can also request you free, no obligation consultation right now by completing this convenient form.
