How to Track Your Social Security Application

Last updated 6 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Waiting for a decision on a Social Security application for retirement, disability, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can be a period of uncertainty. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides official ways for applicants to check the status of their submitted application.

This guide details the two primary methods: using the secure online ‘my Social Security’ account and contacting the SSA directly by phone.

Checking Your Application Status Online: Your ‘my Social Security’ Account

The most convenient way to monitor an application’s progress is through the SSA’s online portal.

The Official Tool – ‘my Social Security’

The primary digital tool for interacting with the SSA, including checking application status, is the personal ‘my Social Security’ account. This is a free and secure online service offered by the SSA that provides personalized tools for managing benefits and information.

Beyond checking application status, account holders can:

• Request replacement Social Security cards
• Estimate future benefits
• Manage existing benefits
• Set up direct deposit
• Get benefit verification letters
• Access certain notices online instead of waiting for mail

The SSA actively promotes the use of the ‘my Social Security’ account, making it the central hub for many interactions. The agency explicitly states that its website, www.ssa.gov, is the best way for individuals to get help, underscoring the shift towards online self-service for efficiency and 24/7 accessibility.

Applicants can access the main portal to create or sign in to their account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. The specific page dedicated to checking status is https://www.ssa.gov/apply/check-application-or-appeal-status, which directs users to sign in.

Setting Up or Signing In

To check status online, an applicant must first either sign in to an existing ‘my Social Security’ account or create a new one. Creating an account requires providing personal information to verify the applicant’s identity.

For enhanced security, the SSA utilizes trusted external partners, Login.gov and ID.me, for signing into ‘my Social Security’ accounts, particularly those created on or after September 18, 2021. Applicants creating new accounts will be guided through an identity verification process managed by one of these partners. Those with accounts created before that date might still use an older username and password system but may be prompted to transition to Login.gov or ID.me.

This reliance on robust identity proofing services reflects a government-wide effort to secure online interactions. While this increases security, the identity verification process itself can sometimes pose a challenge for users, potentially requiring specific documents or steps.

Applicants experiencing difficulties with login or account creation can call the SSA’s national number (1-800-772-1213) and say “helpdesk” at the prompt for specialized assistance. Access to the account creation and sign-in functions is available via https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ or potentially through the direct sign-in portal at https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/.

Information Needed for Online Check

Once an applicant has successfully set up and logged into their ‘my Social Security’ account, checking the application status typically only requires the login credentials used (either username/password or via Login.gov/ID.me).

Because the account is linked to the applicant’s verified identity (via their Social Security number), the system should automatically display information related to their pending applications without needing a separate confirmation number entered each time. This streamlined process, after the initial account setup, makes online checks potentially simpler for repeat inquiries compared to phone calls, which necessitate identity verification on each call.

Steps to Check Your Status Online

The process for checking application status online via the ‘my Social Security’ account is straightforward:

1. Navigate and Sign In: Go to the SSA website, either the main account page https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ or the dedicated status check page https://www.ssa.gov/apply/check-application-or-appeal-status. Select the option to “Sign in”.
2. Locate Application Status: After successfully signing in, look for the section detailing pending applications. According to SSA materials, this may involve scrolling down the “My Home” page to a section titled “Your Benefit Applications” and clicking on “View Details”. Some interfaces might label this area as the “Current Status” section. The exact navigation path or label might evolve, but it will relate directly to the status of submitted applications or appeals.
3. View Status: The relevant details about the application’s progress will be displayed within the “Application Details” or similarly named section.

What Information Applicants Can See Online

The ‘my Social Security’ account can provide several specific pieces of information regarding a pending application or appeal:

• The date the application was filed
• The current location of the claim (e.g., local SSA field office, state Disability Determination Services)
• The location of the specific SSA office handling the claim (servicing office)
• Re-entry numbers, which allow applicants to return to incomplete online applications
• Scheduled hearing date and time, if the application has reached the hearing stage of appeal
• Links to potentially relevant SSA publications based on the claim type and stage

Additionally, the online portal aims to show applicants where they are in the overall process and may provide an estimated timeframe or indicate when the SSA expects to reach a decision.

For disability applications specifically, the online account often displays a progress bar or percentage indicator, sometimes corresponding to the 5-step sequential evaluation process used for disability claims. However, it is important to interpret this information cautiously. Applicants have reported instances where the status updates seem generic (e.g., a notification that status has “updated” without visible changes), or where the progress bar or percentage does not accurately reflect the actual time elapsed or work completed.

The SSA itself notes that many factors influence review times, making precise predictions difficult. Therefore, while the online status provides valuable transparency, the information, especially progress indicators or estimated timelines, may sometimes lag or represent internal processing milestones rather than definitive applicant-facing updates. Applicants should view the online status as a helpful guide but rely on official mailed notices for final decisions.

It is also crucial to be aware of potential scams. SSA warns that it only sends text messages if an applicant has explicitly opted in, and typically for limited purposes like security alerts or appointment reminders. Suspicious texts or emails requesting personal information or urging clicks on links should be ignored and reported. Applicants should always log into their ‘my Social Security’ account directly through the official website (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/) rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.

Checking Your Application Status by Phone

For those unable to use online services or who prefer direct contact, the SSA offers phone options for checking application status.

When to Call

Calling the SSA is a viable alternative for status inquiries. The SSA provides both automated telephone services for basic information and the option to speak with a representative for more detailed assistance.

Official Contact Information

The SSA maintains a national toll-free number and specific hours for inquiries:

Table 1: SSA Contact Information Summary

Using the Automated System

When calling the national number (1-800-772-1213), callers first interact with an automated system. To use this system for checking application status, the caller should listen for the prompt, typically “How can I help you today?”, and respond clearly with “application status”. This automated service can provide basic updates around the clock without requiring the caller to wait for a representative.

Speaking with a Representative

If the automated system does not provide sufficient information, or if the applicant has specific questions, they can opt to speak with an SSA representative during the designated operating hours (8:00 AM – 7:00 PM local time, Monday-Friday). However, applicants should be prepared for potentially significant wait times, particularly during peak periods like Mondays, early mornings, and the beginning of the month.

As an alternative to the potentially busy national line, some applicants may find success contacting their local Social Security office directly. While SSA generally does not publish direct numbers for local offices, these numbers can often be found using the official SSA Office Locator tool available at https://www.ssa.gov/locator/. Contacting the local office might sometimes lead to shorter wait times or allow connection with staff more familiar with the specifics of a case, although the national line remains the primary advertised contact point.

Information to Have Ready When Calling

To access information about a specific application, the SSA representative must first verify the caller’s identity to protect personal information. Therefore, applicants calling for a status update should be prepared to provide key personal details, including:

• Full Name
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Other potential verifying information like address or phone number on file

Having the application confirmation number (received when applying online) might also be helpful, although it’s not explicitly listed as mandatory for a phone status check. The core requirement is providing enough information for the representative to confidently identify the caller and locate the correct application record.

Understanding Application Status Messages and Stages

The status messages applicants see online or hear via the automated phone system reflect steps in the SSA’s review process. Understanding these stages can provide context, especially for disability claims which follow a defined evaluation sequence.

General Status Updates

The ‘my Social Security’ account aims to provide updates such as the date the application was filed and its current location within the SSA system (e.g., field office, DDS). Status messages generally indicate where the application is in the overall process.

As noted previously, some updates might appear vague. Generic notifications like “Your submission status has been updated” may prompt a login, but the visible change might not be immediately apparent or significant. It’s also worth reiterating the caution regarding scam communications; applicants should verify any status updates by logging directly into their official ‘my Social Security’ account.

The information displayed online or provided by automated systems is a snapshot of the application’s journey through various internal SSA steps. These steps, particularly for disability, involve handoffs between federal and state offices and different types of reviews. This complexity can sometimes lead to status messages that seem unclear or progress indicators (like percentages) that don’t align perfectly with an applicant’s perception of time or progress. Focusing on understanding the overall process stages can be more helpful than fixating on minor status shifts.

Common Stages in the Application Process (Especially Disability)

The SSA employs a multi-step process to evaluate applications, most notably the 5-step sequential evaluation for disability claims. While the exact wording displayed online may vary, the typical progression involves the following phases:

Application Received / Initial Review

After submission, the application is logged. An SSA field office conducts an initial review to verify basic non-medical eligibility requirements. For SSDI, this includes checking age and work history (insured status). For SSI, it involves verifying age, income, resources, and living arrangements. If these fundamental non-medical criteria are not met, the claim may be denied at this stage as a “technical denial” without proceeding to a medical review. Online status might show the application as received or undergoing this initial non-medical check.

Medical Review

If initial non-medical requirements appear to be met, the case (for disability claims) is forwarded to a state-level agency, typically called the Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS is responsible for gathering and evaluating medical evidence. They will request records from doctors, hospitals, and clinics listed in the application. If the existing evidence is insufficient, the DDS may schedule a Consultative Examination (CE) with an independent medical professional at SSA’s expense.

The DDS determines if the applicant’s condition is medically “severe” (Step 2 of sequential evaluation) and whether it meets or medically equals the criteria in SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Step 3). If the condition is severe but doesn’t meet or equal a Listing, the DDS assesses the applicant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) – what they can still do despite their limitations. The online status during this phase typically indicates “Medical Review”, potentially accompanied by a progress indicator reflecting DDS activity.

Assessing Past and Other Work (Disability Steps 4 & 5)

This is part of the DDS’s medical determination process for claims that proceed past Step 3. Based on the assessed RFC, the DDS evaluates whether the applicant can perform their past relevant work (Step 4). If not, the DDS then considers whether the applicant can adjust to any other type of work existing in the national economy, considering their RFC, age, education, and work experience (Step 5). The online status likely remains under “Medical Review” until the DDS completes its entire evaluation and makes a medical determination (allowance or denial).

Final Review / Non-Medical (Post-DDS)

Once the DDS makes its medical determination, the case file is sent back to the originating SSA field office. The field office then conducts a final review. This often involves a final check of non-medical factors to ensure nothing has changed that would affect eligibility (e.g., recent work activity, changes in income/resources for SSI). This step ensures all eligibility criteria (both medical and non-medical) are met before payment processing begins for approved claims. The online status might update to reflect “Final Review,” “Non-Medical Review,” or similar processing language.

Decision Made

The SSA makes its final determination on the application. A formal decision letter detailing the outcome (approval or denial) and explaining the reasoning and appeal rights (if denied) is mailed to the applicant. The online status in the ‘my Social Security’ account should also update to reflect this final decision. If approved, subsequent statuses might relate to the calculation and scheduling of benefit payments.

The multi-stage nature of the disability process, involving coordination between federal SSA offices and state DDS agencies, contributes significantly to the longer processing times associated with these claims compared to retirement or Medicare applications. Understanding these distinct review phases (initial non-medical, DDS medical, final non-medical) helps explain why an application’s status might change location or description during the process.

How Long Will It Take? Average Processing Times

A common question for applicants is how long the review process typically takes. While exact times vary, SSA provides estimates and performance data.

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Several factors influence how quickly an application is processed:

• Type of Benefit: Retirement and Medicare applications are generally processed much faster than disability claims.
• Disability Claim Complexity: For disability applications, the specific medical condition(s), the ease and speed of obtaining necessary medical records from providers, whether a consultative examination (CE) is required, and whether the claim is selected for a quality assurance review can all impact the timeline.
• Application Completeness: Submitting a complete application with all necessary information and documentation is crucial. Missing information or incomplete forms are frequent causes of delays.
• SSA Workloads and Resources: Agency staffing levels and existing backlogs, particularly within the state DDS offices that handle medical reviews, significantly affect processing times, especially for disability claims. Recent years have seen notable increases in wait times linked to resource constraints.

Average Timelines (Estimates)

Based on SSA information and performance data, here are general estimates for processing times:

Table 2: Average Application Processing Times (Estimates)

It is particularly important for disability applicants to be aware of the current processing time realities. Data from both SSA and external analyses consistently show average waits for initial disability decisions extending beyond seven months. This represents a significant increase compared to historical averages and is largely attributed by the SSA itself to sustained underfunding and staffing challenges that began around 2018, leading to substantial backlogs. While SSA is working to address these delays, applicants should anticipate a lengthy wait for disability decisions and exercise patience while using the tracking tools available.

For approved disability claims (SSDI), benefits typically start after a five full calendar month waiting period from the established disability onset date. There is no waiting period for ALS cases approved after July 23, 2020. SSI payments begin the first full month after the application date or the date eligibility requirements are met, whichever is later.

Additional Official Resources

For more detailed information on specific benefits, processes, or forms, the Social Security Administration provides numerous resources on its website. Navigating these official sources can empower applicants to find answers tailored to their circumstances.

• General SSA Contact Information: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/
• ‘my Social Security’ Account Portal: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
• Check Application/Appeal Status Page: https://www.ssa.gov/apply/check-application-or-appeal-status
• SSA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/
  • Specific FAQ on checking status: https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01729.html
• SSA Forms Library: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/
• SSA Publications Library: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/
• SSA Office Locator: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
• Disability Benefits Information: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/
  • Disability Determination Process: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm
  • Disability Sequential Evaluation Steps 4 & 5: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/step4and5.htm
• Retirement Benefits Information: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/
  • Planning for Retirement: https://www.ssa.gov/prepare/plan-retirement
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Information: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
  • SSI Application Process: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.