Social security

Where to follow up social security retirement claim

If you applied for social security retirement benefits and you are yet to get a response, there are several ways to follow up on your application. Find out where to follow up Social Security retirement claim.

3 min read

When you apply for social security benefits, it can take some time before you get a response from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Usually, it can take about six weeks after submitting an application to get a response. If you have waited long enough, there are certain things you can do to follow up on your social security retirement claim.

You can follow up on your Social Security Retirement claim by checking the status of your application on your my Social Security account. If you are unable to check the application status online, you can call Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm. You can also check your mail for any communication from Social Security.

How long does it take to get approved for social security benefits?

Once you become eligible to receive social security benefits, you should complete and submit your application to social security. Typically, the earliest you can claim social security benefits is age 62, but you can file your application four months before you turn 62. Once you submit your application, it can take approximately six weeks to get approved for social security benefits.

However, since Social Security is a government program with a huge number of applicants, sometimes it can take up to 6 months to get a decision. Also, if you submit inaccurate information in your application, your application will be rejected and you will be required to restart the application process.

If you are applying for disability benefits, the social security application can take three to five months to get approved.

How to follow up social security retirement claim

Once you apply for social security, it can take six weeks or more to receive a response. Here is what you can do to follow up on your social security retirement claim:

Check response

When the SSA makes a decision on your social security application, you will receive a mailed letter with the decision. If the application is approved, you will receive a Social Security award letter to notify you that your benefits have been approved and you will start receiving payments. Once you receive this letter, it can guide you on how to get your benefits.

If SSA rejects your social security retirement claim application, you will receive a denial letter that provides information on why you were denied benefits. Typically, your application could be rejected if you provide inaccurate information, you lack the requisite 40 credits, or you have not attained the minimum age requirement.

Check the status of your application

If you have not received a response from social security, you can check the status of your application using your my social security account. Follow these steps to check the status of your social security retirement claim:

  • Log in to your my Social Security account
  • On the homepage, go to the Your Benefit Application section and click on View Details
  • View your application in the Current Status section

If you have trouble accessing your my Social Security account, you can call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

How to appeal denied Social Security claim

If your application for social security is denied, you are allowed to appeal the decision within 60 days after receiving the denial letter. You should only file an appeal if you qualify for social security benefits, and you believe that you can persuade Social Security or the court to review your case differently.

You can appeal the decision either online or in writing. If you choose to make a written appeal, you will need to fill out Form SSA-561-U2, also known as the Request for Reconsideration form that is available on the Social Security website.

You will be required to fill out your basic information such as your name, address, and Social Security number. Also, you must state the reason why you think your application was denied. When submitting this form, you can attach documents that can help persuade the court or Social Security to overturn the prior decision.

Steps in the appeals process

Reconsideration

If you disagree with Social Security’s determination, you can request a reconsideration. A reconsideration involves an independent review by an official who did not take part in the initial review.

Hearing by an administrative judge

If you are not satisfied with the reconsideration determination, you can request a hearing before an administrative judge. You must complete Form HA-501 or make an online request for a hearing. You must submit the request within 60 days after the date you received a notice of reconsideration.

Once a date is set for the hearing, you must appear in person or send a representative to the scheduled hearing. If you are unable to appear in person, you can request a hearing by telephone or teleconference. Also, you can excuse yourself from the hearing and ask the judge to make a decision based on the available evidence.

Appeals court review

If you do not agree with the judge’s decision, you can request an Appeals Court review. You will need to complete Form HA-520 or make an online request within 60 days after the hearing by the judge.

If the Appeals Court agrees to review your application, it can decide on the case or refer it to an administrative judge for further action. Once the court makes a decision, it will send you a notice of its action and the reasons for the action.

Federal court

If you are unsatisfied with the decision of the Appeals Court, you can move to the federal court. You must file a civil action with the federal court in your area within 60 days after the Appeal’s Court decision. The District Court may direct SSA to award the benefits, dismiss the case, or refer the case to a judge to hold a new hearing.