Where to check your SSDI status

You can check your Social Security Disability Insurance status through your personal account on the Social Security website, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local office in person. The online method is fastest — you can see your status any time without waiting on hold.

To check online, go to ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. Once logged in, you can view your benefit status, payment history, and the date your benefits began. The site also shows whether Social Security has any pending decisions about your case.

If you prefer to call, the Social Security customer service number is 1-800-772-1213. You can reach them Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your benefit status, payment amount, and any pending decisions without calling.
  • Your status page shows whether you are currently receiving benefits, when payments are scheduled, and your total lifetime earnings record.
  • If your case is still under review, the status page will tell you whether Social Security is waiting for medical evidence or has made a decision.
  • Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time if you cannot access the website or need to speak with someone directly.

What your online status page shows

Your my Social Security account displays your current benefit amount, the date your benefits started, and when your next payment is due. It also lists all payments you have received, broken down by month, so you can verify that the correct amount arrived each time.

The account shows your work history and the earnings Social Security has on record for you. This matters because your SSDI benefit is based partly on how much you earned before you became disabled. If the earnings record is wrong, you can correct it through your account or by calling Social Security.

If your case is still being reviewed, the status page will say so and may indicate what stage it is in — for example, whether Social Security is waiting for your medical records or has sent your case to a judge. This information changes as your case moves forward, so check back periodically if you are waiting for a decision.

How to create a my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID.

The identity verification step usually takes a few minutes. If Social Security cannot verify you online, it will give you the option to verify in person at a local Social Security office or by phone. Once your identity is confirmed, you can log in and see your status immediately.

Keep your login information secure. Do not share your password with anyone, and do not log in on a public computer. Social Security will never ask you for your password by email or phone.

What to do if your status shows a pending decision

If your account says your case is pending, Social Security is still reviewing your claim. The length of time this takes varies widely — some cases are decided in a few weeks, while others take several months or longer, especially if your case has been sent to an administrative law judge.

If the status page says Social Security is waiting for medical evidence, you can speed things up by submitting your records directly. Call your doctor's office and ask them to send your recent medical records to Social Security. Include your Social Security number in any documents you send so Social Security can match them to your case.

Do not assume no news is bad news. Many people receive benefits after a long wait. Check your account every few weeks to see whether the status has changed or whether Social Security is requesting additional information from you.

Checking your payment schedule and deposit date

Your my Social Security account shows the date your next payment will arrive. SSDI payments are deposited directly to your bank account on a set schedule — usually the third of each month, though the exact date depends on your birth date and when your benefits started.

If you have not received a payment on the expected date, log into your account to confirm the deposit date is correct. If the date has passed and the money has not arrived, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. Have your bank account information ready so Social Security can investigate.

If you change your bank account or address, update it in your my Social Security account or call Social Security to make the change. This prevents payments from going to the wrong place.

When to call instead of checking online

Call Social Security if you cannot log into your account, if your status page is not loading correctly, or if you have questions that the website does not answer. You should also call if you believe your benefit amount is wrong, if you have not received a payment, or if you need to report a change in your situation — such as returning to work or a change in your medical condition.

Social Security's phone lines are busiest early in the morning and on Mondays. You may have a shorter wait if you call mid-morning on a Wednesday or Thursday. You can also request a callback instead of waiting on hold — Social Security will call you back during the hours you specify.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, you can visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location.

You do not need an appointment for many routine questions, but calling ahead is a good idea because some offices require appointments or have limited hours. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. If you are asking about a specific issue with your account, bring any relevant documents — such as a letter from Social Security or a recent bank statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my SSDI status?

Check your account at least once a month to confirm your payment arrived and to catch any errors early. If your case is pending a decision, check every few weeks to see whether the status has changed or whether Social Security is requesting more information from you.

What does it mean if my status says "pending review"?

It means Social Security is still deciding whether to approve or deny your claim. The status page may also tell you what stage the review is in — for example, whether they are waiting for medical records or whether your case has been sent to a judge. The length of time varies widely depending on how complex your case is.

Can I check someone else's SSDI status?

No. Only the person receiving benefits can log into their my Social Security account. If you are a representative payee or a family member helping manage someone's benefits, you can call Social Security and speak with a representative, but you cannot access their online account without their permission and login information.

What should I do if my payment is late?

First, check your my Social Security account to confirm the correct deposit date. If the date has passed and the money has not arrived, call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. Have your bank account information ready. Social Security can investigate and may reissue the payment if there was an error.

Is my my Social Security account secure?

Yes. Social Security uses encryption and requires identity verification to create an account. However, you should still use a strong password, never share your login information, and do not log in on a public computer. If you suspect someone has accessed your account, change your password immediately and call Social Security.