How can I check my social security status?

If you have applied for Social Security benefits, it can take several months before getting a response from Social Security. If you have waited for some time now, and there is no response yet, you can check the status of your application to be sure that there is no missing information in your application.

You can check the status of your Social Security application by accessing your My Social Security account. Once you have logged into your account, go to the “Your Benefit Applications” icon, click the “View Details” link under the “More Info” tab, and view your status in the “Current Status” section. You can also contact Social Security via phone at 1-800-772-1213 to know the status of your application.

How to check your Social Security status online

You can check your Social Security status on the Social Security website. If you have a My Social Security account, log into your account using your username and password. If you don't have a My Social Security account, you must set up an account to access these services.

Once you have set up your account, log in to view the progress of your application, including the date of filing, the office handling your application, and re-entry numbers for incomplete applications. Follow these steps to check your Social Security status:

On your My Social Security account, tap on the “Your Benefits Application” icon.

Click the “View Details” link under “More Info”

View your application status in the "Current Status" section.

You can also view your personal information, benefit estimates, as well as your earnings history. You can request a replacement Social Security card, and change your address, contact information, and your bank information.

How long does it take to get Social Security approval?

The approval process for your Social Security application can take 3 to 5 months to receive a Social Security award letter. How quickly your application is approved depends on how fast you submit the required documentation, depending on the type of Social Security benefits you are applying for. Upon approval, you'll receive your first Social Security check via direct deposit or in your Direct Express Debit card.

If you are applying for disability benefits, you must wait five months before you can receive the first benefits payment. This means that you will receive the first payment in the sixth month after the date Social Security determines your disability began. For example, if your disability started on June 15, 2021, and you submitted your application on July 1, 2021, you'll get your first payment in December 2020, covering the sixth full month of your disability.

Can my claim for disability benefits be denied?

If you applied for disability benefits, your application may be denied due to several reasons. Common reasons for disability benefits denial include:

You already make too much money to qualify for disability benefits.

You haven't worked long enough to be eligible for disability benefits.

Your disability does not meet SSA’s disability definition.

You have not provided sufficient medical evidence to prove that you're disabled.

You don't regularly maintain communication with Social Security.

You were found guilty of a crime.

If your disability benefits claim is declined, you have 60 days to appeal the decision. The available appeal levels include reconsideration, a hearing by an administrative judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and Federal Court Review.

Tips for a successful Social Security application

Social Security receives millions of applications each year, and only a portion of these applications gets approved. If you are applying for Social Security benefits, here are tips to increase your likelihood of getting approved:

Ensure your application is complete

Before applying for Social Security benefits, make sure you have all the documents you will need to include in your application. Social Security has a checklist of items (PDF) you need when filing your application.

Some of the information you may be required to provide during the application process include your legal name, date of birth, citizenship, marital status, divorce history, employment status, details of your health or medical conditions, and details of hospitals you have visited. You may be required to provide documentation to prove some of these details.

If you are missing some of the required documents, you can proceed with the application, and provide the required documents later. However, if you delay sending the required documentation, Social Security can deny your application.

Maintain your medical records

If you are applying for disability benefits, Social Security will require you to provide documentation of your medical history. Usually, Social Security will ask your treating physicians to provide information about your condition, limitations, and capabilities. However, you should still provide as much information as you can about your disabling condition. Also, since disability requires continuous monitoring, you should keep a record of your treatment, surgical procedures, laboratory reports, etc. so that you can provide Social Security with continuous information about your condition.

Social Security may also require you to undergo medical tests with Social Security doctors to examine your condition. Make sure to keep the appointment, and provide accurate information during the exam. If you cannot keep the appointment, let Social Security know in advance so that it can reschedule your appointment.

Monitor the progress of your application

Once you send your Social Security application, Social Security will start reviewing your application, and it can take 3 to 5 months to get a decision. During the application process, Social Security will review the evidence and any other records you provided to make a decision.

Monitoring the progress of your application can help know if Social Security needs any additional information. If there are missing documents, you should provide them as soon as possible. Once all the information has been provided, the application can proceed, and Social Security will decide on your application.