Social Security Disability applications take time to be processed and must pass through various screening processes before a decision on the disability claim is made. Checking your Social Security application status is an easy way to stay on top of your Social Security application to make sure there is no missing information slowing down your Social Security disability application.
Once you submit your disability claim, it goes to a local office where it is processed and evaluated. Part of this evaluation involves gathering your medical records and other relevant information regarding your claim. As a general rule of thumb, it takes about a month’s time before all of the required information is on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA). When you are waiting to hear back from decision from the SSA regarding you claim, there could be signs you will be approved for disability, which include: earning less than the SGA and having an ample amount of work credits and medical records to back up your claim.
Ways To Check the Status of Your Application
There are two ways to check the status of your Social Security disability status:
- You can check the status of your disability status online at the SSA website. It takes a minute or so to locate your Social Security disability status, but this is the most convenient and fastest way to find out the status of your application. You'll need to create a "my Social Security" account online, which should take only a short time.
- You contact the SSA by phone and speak with a representative. They will be able to let you know when your application was turned over to your local Disability Determination Services office. Since these offices process your application, talking to one of their representatives will provide you with detailed information regarding the status of your claim.
For both methods of checking your application, you will need:
- Your Personal Information (Social Security Number, Full Name)
- Your Address
- Your email address ( if applying online )
- A Phone number for the SSA to reach you.
Local SSA Offices
You can check your Social Security disability status by contacting your SSA office. While you can call into the SSA's nationwide telephone number, which is 1-800-772-1213, you can also contact a local SSA office regarding your application. In fact, we have a listing of local SSA offices right on this website!
How Frequently Should I Check My Claim?
Keep in mind that you should wait at least thirty days before contacting your local Disability Determination Services office in regards to your disability status. It generally takes about a month to gather your medical records and assemble your file. In addition, some doctors and medical offices take longer than others with regard to sending out the medical records.
Since there is little that can be done with your claim until all of the required information is gathered, it is wise to check in after the first month to see if they need any additional information. If you are missing key information, then you can contact your doctor and speed the process along. Once your medical records are all submitted, the application can then be reviewed and an initial determination can be made on your disability claim.
For specific information about checking on your application during the different stages of the application process , you can take a look at our page about it:
