Check your status through your personal Social Security account

The fastest way to see where your claim stands is to log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once you're signed in, you can view the status of any claim you've filed, including SSDI. The account shows you what stage your claim is in — whether it's being reviewed, waiting for medical records, or decided — without having to call or visit an office.

If you don't have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one on the same website. You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file). Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and gives you access to your status anytime, day or night.

Your account also shows you the decision letter if your claim has been approved or denied, along with the reason if it was denied. This is the same information you would receive by mail, but you see it immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Your my Social Security account at ssa.gov shows your claim status in real time without waiting for a phone call or office visit.
  • You can see what stage your claim is in, what documents Social Security is waiting for, and the full text of any decision letter.
  • If you don't have an account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number and a way to verify your identity.
  • You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) during business hours to speak with someone about your status, though wait times are often long.
  • If you have a representative or attorney handling your claim, they can also check your status through their own Social Security representative account.

Call Social Security directly if you can't access your account

If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

Wait times are often 30 minutes or longer, especially early in the week and early in the day. Calling late in the afternoon or on Friday may be faster. When you reach someone, they can tell you exactly where your claim is and what's needed next — for example, if Social Security is waiting for medical records from your doctor or if a decision has been made but the letter hasn't arrived yet.

Visit your local Social Security office in person

You can also walk into any Social Security office and ask about your claim status. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your number on it, and be prepared to wait. Many offices now use appointment systems, so you may be able to schedule a time in advance rather than showing up and waiting.

An in-person visit is useful if you need to turn in documents (like medical records or a birth certificate) at the same time you check your status, or if you have questions that are hard to explain over the phone.

Understand what each claim status means

When you check your status, Social Security will tell you where your claim stands. Under review means your claim is being looked at but no decision has been made yet. More information needed means Social Security is waiting for documents from you or your doctor — the account usually tells you what's missing. Decided means a decision has been made, and you should see the letter in your account or in the mail within a few days.

If your status shows "decided" but you haven't received a letter, check your my Social Security account first — the letter is usually there before it arrives by mail. If you were approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you'll receive each month. If you were denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.

What to do if your claim has been pending for a long time

Initial SSDI claims typically take three to six months to decide, though some take longer depending on how complex your medical history is and how quickly your doctors respond to requests for records. If your claim has been pending for more than six months, check your account to see if Social Security is waiting for something from you — missing medical records are the most common reason for delays.

If the status shows "under review" and you don't see any message about missing documents, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask what's causing the delay. Sometimes a claim gets stuck because Social Security needs a specific test result or a statement from your doctor. Once you know what's missing, you can contact your doctor's office directly and ask them to send it to Social Security right away.

If you filed your claim more than a year ago and still haven't heard anything, or if you believe there's an error in how your case is being handled, you may want to contact a disability representative or attorney. Many work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they have direct lines to Social Security that can sometimes speed things up.

Track your status if you've appealed a denial

If your claim was denied and you filed an appeal (called a Request for Reconsideration or, later, a Request for Hearing), you can track that status the same way — through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Your account will show which stage of appeal you're in.

A Request for Reconsideration is reviewed by a different examiner and usually takes two to three months. If that's denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which can take six months to over a year depending on how busy your local hearing office is. Your account will show you where you are in that process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my status?

Check once a week if your claim is still under review, especially if you're waiting for Social Security to receive medical records from your doctor. Once a decision is made, you don't need to check again unless you're appealing. If you're already receiving benefits, you can check your account anytime to see your payment history and benefit amount.

What if I see an error in my account information?

If your name, address, or other personal information is wrong, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to correct it. Don't try to fix it through your account — you need to speak with Social Security directly. Errors in your personal information can delay your claim or cause payments to go to the wrong address.

Can my doctor check my claim status?

No, your doctor cannot check your status directly. However, if Social Security is waiting for medical records from your doctor, you can ask your doctor's office to contact Social Security to find out what's needed. You can also authorize your doctor to speak with Social Security by signing a release form, which Social Security can send you.

What if my status hasn't changed in months?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask what's holding up your claim. The most common reasons are missing medical records, an address on file that's no longer correct, or a backlog at your local office. Once you know the reason, you can often fix it yourself — for example, by contacting your doctor or updating your address.

Do I need to do anything while I'm waiting for a decision?

Keep Social Security informed of any changes to your address or phone number. If you're working, report your earnings. If your medical condition changes significantly, you can send updated medical records to speed up the review, though it's not required. Don't assume Social Security has everything they need — if your account says "more information needed," act on it right away.