How to Find the Status of a Social Security Claim

Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD

Last Updated: May 2, 2021 References

After you submit the appropriate paperwork and supporting documentation for a social security claim (whether for disability or SSI), the Social Security Administration determines whether you're eligible for Social Security and how much money you may receive each month. Their decision may take some time, but you're allowed to check on your claim status. Knowing how to check the status of a Social Security claim is important because it can help you can keep up to date on your benefits.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Checking Your Claim Status Online

1
Find a computer with an internet connection. If you do not own a computer, go to your local public library. Most libraries have computers that are available for public use.
2
Enter your information on the Social Security Administration website. Find the link to change your claim status (link below).^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
Go to source} Enter your information to find the status of your claim. The website estimates that it takes approximately 1 minute to enter the information and find out your status. Follow these steps:
- Enter your Social Security number.
- Enter your confirmation code.
- Click on the "Next" button.
- Your current Social Security status will appear on the screen.
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3
Do not panic if your claim is not found. If you recently filed the claim, it may not have had time to enter the system yet. Try back in a few days or contact your local SSA representative.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Checking Your Claim Status on the Telephone.

1
Call the SSA automated system to check your status. The SSA offers automated messages that provide status information 24 hours per day.^{[2]
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US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
Go to source}
- You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or via TTY, a telecommunication device for the deaf or hard of hearing, at 1-800-325-0778.
- Listen to and follow any prompts, such as one asking you to enter your Social Security number. Then listen to the information about your claim status.
2
Call a representative for help. SSA agents are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the SSA toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or via TTY, a telecommunication device for the deaf or hard of hearing, at 1-800-325-0778.
- Note that the SSA offers free interpreter services for many different languages.^{[3]
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  Trustworthy Source
  US Social Security Administration
  Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
  Go to source}
3
Call your local SSA office directly. If you don't want to call the national toll-free number, you may be able to reach a representative at your local office. Usually the state SSA agency is responsible for processing your claim. Ask the representative about your Social Security claim status.
- You can find the office information (including phone number) using a phone book, or you can find it online using the SSA's office locator (link below).^{[4]
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  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Checking Your Claim Status in Person.

1
Look up the location of your local SSA office. You can find the address on their website (link below).^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
Go to source}
2
Make an appointment with an SSA representative. You will have to wait much longer to speak with an SSA representative if you go to the office without making an appointment first. Call the SSA office ahead of time to schedule an appointment.
3
Take documentation with you. You should have kept a copy of your claim paperwork and supporting documentation. Taking it with you to the SSA office may enable the representative to help you more efficiently. You may also need to take identification due to the confidential nature of the claims process.
4
Inquire about your current Social Security claim status. Tell the SSA representative when you filed the claim, how much time has passed, and any other concerns that you have. Tell them if you have a situation that requires immediate attention. For instance, if you are unable to feed yourself without the claim money, be sure to communicate that with the agent.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Evaluating and Appealing the SSA's Decision

1
The Social Security Administration will notify you of their decision in writing. They will let you know whether your claim has been approved, the amount of benefits you will receive, and when you can expect to receive your first check. For all types of social security claims, you will receive benefits dating back to the date you first applied. Though social security claims can take up to six months to evaluate, you will receive payment for the time you waited.
- If your claim for any Social Security benefits is denied, the written notice of denial will state why you were denied.
- If you are denied, you have the opportunity to appeal.
2
Ask for your case to be reconsidered. The appeals process requires you to follow four major steps. The first you can take is to file a request for reconsideration.
- You must fill out a Request for Reconsideration form. It is available online from the Social Security website (link below). ^{[6]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Social Security Administration
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for the administration and management of Social Security
  Go to source} As you fill out the form, you must provide your name as it appears on your social security card, your social security claim number (which should be listed on the claim decision), your address, and the type of claim that you want them to reconsider (retirement, disability, etc.).
- You must state the reasons why you do not agree with the denial of benefits. Here, you should briefly state why you think it is unfair that you did not receive benefits. You do not need to go into great detail because the Social Security Administration has your file.
- Along with your Request for Reconsideration form, you may submit a form called a Disability Report - Appeal (link below).^{[7]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Social Security Administration
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for the administration and management of Social Security
  Go to source} This will explain any changes in your condition since you filed your original claim for benefits. This form is not required. .
- After you send in your form, you will receive another decision from the SSA in the mail. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your claim.
3
If Social Security denies your claim again after reconsidering it, you may request a formal administrative hearing. The hearing will be heard in front of an administrative law judge who is not associated with the Social Security Administration.
- You must file a “Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge” within 65 days of the denial of your reconsidered claim. The form is available on the Social Security website (link below).^{[8]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Social Security Administration
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for the administration and management of Social Security
  Go to source} After sending in your form, you will be contacted by the Social Security Administration.
- To prepare for your hearing, consider hiring an attorney who is familiar with social security. You will receive notification of the time, date and location of your hearing.
- At the conclusion of your hearing, after you present all of your evidence, the administrative law judge will make a decision. If they decide in your favor, He or she will then overturn the denial of benefits.
4
File a written appeal with the SSA Appeals Council. If your appeal was again denied, you should file a written appeal with the Social Security Administration Appeals Council. These appeals are rarely successful, and will usually be decided on the basis of your file. You will probably not have an opportunity to be heard. Usually, the committee only reverses the decision of the administrative law judge if it can be argued that the judge made a legal mistake.
- Because this requires technical legal knowledge, you should hire a lawyer to help you with the claim.
- You will need to fill out and submit the “Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order,” available on the SSA website (link below).^{[9]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Social Security Administration
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for the administration and management of Social Security
  Go to source}
- After requesting a review of the decision, you will wait to see if your case is set for a hearing before the council (though this is rare). If your claim is not selected for a hearing, the Committee will inform you by mail.
- Do not attempt to contact the appeals board regarding the status of your claim. The average processing time for an appeal to the Committee is 364 days.^{[10]
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  Trustworthy Source
  US Social Security Administration
  Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
  Go to source}
5
File a lawsuit against the SSA. Finally, if you have exhausted all other means of appeal, you have the option of filing a lawsuit in federal court. In order for file a lawsuit, you must have completed the three previous levels of appeals. You then must file the suit within 60 days after the Appeals Council decision denying benefits.

Warnings

Be sure to keep your social security identification information confidential. Only share it with official SSA personnel to protect yourself against identity theft.

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This article contains legal information but does not constitute legal advice. If you feel that you need legal advice, consult an attorney.

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