How to Check the Status of Your Social Security Disability Benefit Application

When you apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will receive a letter in the mail approving or denying your application after it's processed. But during the time when your application is being processed, you may wish to check its status.

If you have encountered a message that says something along the lines of "a decision has been made and working on your benefit application", find out what that somewhat cryptic message might mean.

New Disability Applications

For new disability applications, your status may say:

"Benefit Application Under Review: A medical decision has been made and we are working to process your benefit application." It also might say something about how a Social Security representative may reach out if they need clarification about certain parts of your application.

What Does This Mean?

Essentially, this status message means that the SSA has made a medical decision about whether or not you are disabled, but they're not going to tell you what that decision is yet. Your file is likely to be sent to your local Social Security office, and when that's completed, the decision will appear in a letter sent to you and/or on a website (probably the same one you're using to check your status). You may see the decision in the letter first, or you may see it online first.

What Else You Can Do to Check Your Disability Application Status

Check Your Bank Account

If you gave the SSA direct deposit information and you were approved for disability, you may see a deposit from the U.S. Treasury in your bank account before you receive a letter in the mail. 

If you do get a disability payment before you receive your approval letter and you want to understand the specifics of your application approval, contact SSA at 800-772-1213, as a representative there can give you an explanation of your benefits over the phone and even provide information on back pay, if applicable.

Pay Attention to Phone Calls

If the SSA plans to approve you for disability, a representative may reach out to you for additional information to process your application and begin disability payments. Also, the SSA may contact you to complete an additional application for your children, which is a positive sign that your application has likely been approved.

The easiest way to check the status of your disability claim is by going online to the SSA website and logging into your SSA account. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. You can find out more information about the SSA disability benefits process by visiting the SSA disability benefits page.

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