Note: We updated this article to reflect current Social Security Administration policies and information in October 2022. If you suffer from a medical issue, receiving Social Security disability benefits in a timely manner can be crucial. Unfortunately, the wait period that often accompanies the Social Security disability benefits claims process may take longer than most anticipate. Finding a way to secure updates about your disability application status is extremely important. Thankfully, there are many ways for you to check your disability benefits application status to ensure your claim’s heading in the right direction.
Checking Your Disability Application Status Online
The steps to checking the your disability application status online is fairly easy. All you need to do is create a MySocialSecurity account and log in regularly. From there, the SSA may be able to provide you with more information about the status of your claim. According to the SSA, it may take at least 5 days from your original application date to receive a claim status update online.
However, if you do not have reliable internet access at home, this option may not work for you.
Checking Your Disability Application Status by Phone
If you’re an applicant who’s not tech-savvy, you may prefer to check your claim’s status over the phone. Simply call your local Social Security office or the agency’s toll-free number to check your disability application status. Here’s the phone number to speak directly with a Social Security agent: 1-800-772-1213. When you call, the system prompts you to enter your SSN. Then, you can listen to learn what your current disability benefits claim status may be. Please note that a live SSA agent only answers this 1-800 phone number Monday-Friday when you call from 7am-7pm EST.
Make an Appointment to Check Your Claim Status In Person
Due to the pandemic, the SSA closed all local Social Security offices to walk-in traffic back in March 2020. Offices are now open again, but you may face a long line unless you make an appointment. To find the closest office near you, click the “Locate An Office By ZIP” button on the SSA’s website. Then, ask if you must schedule an appointment to check your disability application status.
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
Having legal representation to check on your claim status for you can be very important. Not only can Social Security attorneys give you free advice, they charge nothing to file your paperwork. In fact, having an attorney file your claim makes you nearly 3x more likely to get benefits the first time you apply. People who apply on their own without help usually wait 18-24 months for their first payment and must appeal multiple denials. Those who qualify for legal assistance through this site usually get at least $12,000 in lump-sum backpay, plus monthly benefits.
Why not sign up for a free phone call from a nearby attorney today? This is the fastest and easiest way to get confidential claim help at home. It costs you nothing, and doesn’t obligate you to do anything else. If an attorney can’t get your claim approved, then you pay $0 for legal assistance. And if you do win benefits, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.
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Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.
