Create an SSA Online Account

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to track the status of your Social Security Disability application is by creating an online account with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

• What You Need: To create an account, visit the SSA’s official website at www.ssa.gov. You’ll need personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and address.
• Benefits: Once you’ve created an account, you can:
• Check the status of your SSDI or SSI claim.
• View important notices about your claim.
• Receive alerts if additional information is needed.
• Track any changes to your application or the status of any appeals.

Having an SSA online account allows you to stay updated on the progress of your claim and can speed up communication with the SSA.

Call the Social Security Administration

If you prefer speaking with someone directly, you can call the SSA to inquire about your application status. The SSA provides a toll-free number for inquiries:

• SSA Hotline: 1-800-772-1213
• TTY (for hearing impaired): 1-800-325-0778

When calling, make sure you have your Social Security number and any other relevant information available to help the SSA representative locate your claim quickly. Be ready to answer questions about your application and, depending on the status of your claim, they may be able to provide updates on its progress.

Visit Your Local SSA Office

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can visit your local Social Security office. You can use the SSA’s office locator tool on their website to find the nearest office. Here’s what to keep in mind when visiting:

• Bring Your Documents: Have all relevant documents, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, and any medical records or case numbers related to your claim.
• Appointment: It’s often a good idea to schedule an appointment before visiting, especially if you need help with a specific issue regarding your application.

A local SSA office can help you check the status of your SSDI claim and provide any additional assistance you may need.

Use the “Check Status” Feature on the SSA Website

If you filed your Social Security Disability application online, you can also check your status directly through the SSA website. The SSA provides a Check Status feature on its site, where you can log in and check the status of your claim.

• How to Use: Go to the SSA’s official website and log in to your My Social Security account. Once logged in, you’ll have access to the Check Status option that will show you updates and current progress on your SSDI claim.

Check for any SSA Notices or Letters

The SSA will send you important notices and letters throughout the process of your application. These notices may include:

• Acknowledgment Letters: Confirming they’ve received your application and are processing it.
• Request for More Information: If they need additional documents or clarification.
• Approval or Denial Letters: Informing you of the decision regarding your SSDI claim.
• Requests for Appeals: If your claim is denied, the SSA will inform you how to proceed with an appeal.

Be sure to check your mail regularly for any letters from the SSA, as they may contain critical updates regarding your application.

Wait Times for SSDI Decisions

The timeline for receiving a decision on your Social Security Disability application can vary depending on several factors, including:

• How complete and accurate your application is.
• The complexity of your case.
• The SSA’s workload.

Generally, the SSA takes about 3 to 5 months to make a decision for most initial SSDI claims. However, some cases may take longer, especially if more information is needed or if the application requires additional review.



If your claim is denied, you’ll have the opportunity to appeal the decision, which may add several more months to the timeline.