How do I check the status of a pending application for benefits? (2024)

FAQs

How can I check the status of my Social Security benefits application? ›

my Social Security account. On the My Home page scroll down to the Your Benefit Applications section and select View Details under the More Info heading. View your application status in the Current Status section. Check the status of your Social Security application online today!

Sign in to your account, scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section and select “View Details” to see your application status. Don't have a my Social Security Account?

Most disability claims can take a long time to process, so if you haven't heard back from the SSA regarding your disability approval letter it's not a bad sign. There could be factors beyond your control to why you are waiting so long for your disability approval letter.

It typically takes six weeks for your retirement application to be approved, and several months for your disability or survivors application to be approved. An incomplete application is the most common reason for application delays.

Generally, it takes about three to five months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. How does Social Security make the decision?

If you have a personal my Social Security account, you can get an estimate of your future retirement benefits and see the effects of different retirement age scenarios. If you don't have a personal my Social Security account, create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

The SecurityStat process

On average, field offices should take a combined total of 19 days to do two things: first, to check the non-medical requirements, and then, after the DDS review, to make a decision. DDS should complete its medical review within an average processing time of 180 days.

Generally, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.

When the Social Security Administration gives the green light to your application for Social Security Disability Benefit payments, you can expect to receive a Social Security Benefits Award Letter within 1-3 months after the decision.

Step 3: A medical screen to allow applicants who are the most severely disabled. Medical evidence on an applicant's impairment is assessed under step 3 using codified clinical criteria called the Listing of Impairments, which includes over 100 impairments.

What disabilities are hard to prove? ›

If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; or contact your local Social Security office.

Another option to speed up the appeal process is to ask for an on-the-record (OTR) decision by an administrative law judge. An OTR request indicates that you believe the evidence in your file clearly supports your disability application, without the need for you or expert witnesses to make the case at a hearing.

Typically you will receive disability benefits within 60 days of your favorable decision. Whether your claim was approved in one month or two years, your disability benefits can never arrive soon enough! There are several steps that need to take place prior to your receipt of benefits.

Federal Court Review

The AC review completes the Social Security Disability administrative review process. If an individual is still dissatisfied, he may request judicial review by filing a civil action against the Social Security Administration in a Federal district court.

However, the average length of time to go through this Stage 3 appeal is almost 12 months. Stage 3 can take a large amount of time to get to, but if you have the time, desire and assistance it also provides the highest chance of having your Social Security disability claim approved.