How Do I Check the Status of My Social Security Disability Claim?

How Do I Check the Status of My Social Security Disability Claim?

Once you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you likely want to have your application approved as soon as possible. However, the application process takes time, and waiting can be difficult. Nonetheless, you can check on the status of your Social Security disability benefits directly through the Social Security Administration (“SSA”).

Finding the Status of Your Social Security Disability Claim

Once you have applied for Social Security benefits, you will have to wait for the application to be processed. That process will often require that you produce additional information to the SSA. The SSA will be able to tell you the status of your application when they request this additional information from you.

You can also check on the status of your claim online by visiting your personal “my Social Security account.” You will create this account as part of the application process. Your my Social Security account will show the following general information:

• The date that you filed your application
• The current location of your claim
• The servicing office location
• Re-entry numbers for incomplete applications
• Your scheduled hearing date and time

You can also find various resources that might be useful to you as part of this portal. Specific publications are available depending on where you are in the application process.

If you did not create a my Social Security account or you are having trouble with that account, you can also call the SSA, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can also contact your local Social Security office to get information as well.

If you would like to create a my Social Security account, you can do so online. This is the case even if you did not create an account when you submitted your application. Your my Social Security account will allow you to check the status of our Social Security Disability Claim and get access to other services as well.

In addition, if you worked with a Social Security Disability attorney on our application, he or she will also often be able to check on your application for you. For instance, if they are helping you gather information to respond to additional requests, they will have a better idea of the status of that process. Speak with your SSD lawyer to get more information about the status of your claim and how they can help.

A Brief Outline of the Social Security Disability Process

Applying for disability benefits can be a little overwhelming. However, understanding the process is a good first step in helping you get a handle on what you can expect. The process will generally include the following steps:

Start by gathering the documents and information you need to apply.

You have an obligation to present information to the SSA as part of your application. Getting the information you need can take significant time and effort, so it is best to start right away. SSA has created a helpful checklist of the information that you will need to start your application.

1). Complete and submit your application.

Once you have all of the information you need, you should present it in a way that complies with the application that SSA requires. You can often submit your application online, with the help of your local SSA office, or with the assistance of an SSA lawyer.

2). SSA will review your application.

Once the application has been submitted, SSA will review it to be sure that you meet the basic requirements necessary to get benefits. Specifically, they will check:

• Whether you worked enough years to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits
• Your current work activities
• Whether your disability is something other than “short term”

Once your application goes through this basic review, it will move on to the next step.

3). Your application is processed and sent to the Disability Determination Service office near you.

Your local office will take a closer look at your application to review your information in-depth. They are looking for eligibility requirements as well as additional information about your disability. The local office might contact you to get more documents or additional information from you as part of this process.

4). Your local office makes the disability determination decision.

Your local office will actually decide whether you qualify for SSDI benefits. They will provide their decision via mail, so be sure to check your mail regularly. If you applied with information about other family members as well, all of those matters should be addressed in the decision that applies to you.

Appealing a Disability Determination Decision

If the SSA reaches a decision that you disagree with, you have the option to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the initial decision, so it is important to act quickly. Contact an SSI lawyer, like those at MJ Ellis Disability Law Firm, right away to discuss your options.