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How to Know Your Social Security Disability Status

by Megan Roth5 min read
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When you have finished with your Social Security Disability application, you will have to wait for over a couple of months for Social Security’s decision regarding your eligibility for the claim. At this stage, it is advisable to check your Social Security Disability status.

 

You may call your local Social Security office and request to speak to a representative to check the status of your claim.

 

Social Security Disability Status for Initial Application or Reconsideration

When your application is pending at the initial level of a claim (after filing the application) or at the reconsideration level (after filing for a first level appeal), it is advisable for you to speak the disability examiner handling your claim. The disability examiner can be found at the Disability Determination Services (DDS), and not in the Social Security Administration (SSA).

 

It is typically easy to get in touch with a disability examiner. You may contact them via the local DDS number, which you can request for at your local Social Security office. Each state has at least one DDS office. Ask your local Social Security office about this.

 

Upon calling DDS, make clear your intent of following up the status of your claim. You may be asked to provide them with your Social Security number and from there, they can already tell whether your case is pending or not. If your claim has already been decided, the examiner will be able to inform you this. However, they would not be able to tell you weather it is approved or not, as it is Social Security that makes the final decision.

 

Checking Your Status Online

 If you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or have a pending request for reconsideration, you may check your status online. You will need to create a my Social Security account first. The application status will show the following information:

 

  • Re-entry number for your pending online SSDI application or online appeal
  • Date Social Security received your application or appeal
  • Hearing date and time
  • Your current claim or appeal location
  • Decision of Social Security regarding your application or appeal

 

social security disability status

 

Appeal Hearing

When you are appealing for a denied SSDI claim, you will need to make a hearing request to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Once you have filled out and submitted the appeal forms, you may follow up the status of your claim and your hearing schedule. At this point, you are no longer making a status request from the DDS but to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) instead.

 

As soon as the schedule for your hearing is set, you will be notified via email.

 

Hiring an Attorney or Representative

During the appeals stage, disability claimants typically hire a social security disability lawyer or non-lawyer Social Security advocate to help them with their appeal. You can have your attorney or representative follow up the status of your case on your behalf. He or she will periodically check the status of your claim for you.

 

It is important to check your Social Security Disability status at each stage of the application or appeal process. This way, you lessen any uncertainties on your part and ensure that you have full control of your case.