You Can Check the Status of Your Social Security Disability Claim Online
What your application status shows when you check your status online, you can find:
Your re-entry number for your online application or appeal that hasn’t been submitted
The date Social Security received your application or appeal
Your scheduled hearing date and time
The location of your application or appeal including the
address of the office processing your application
If a decision has been made
Understanding Your Status Updates
When you log in, you may see terms like “pending,” “in review,” or “decision made.” Knowing what these statuses mean can help you understand whether Social Security is waiting on medical records, scheduling a hearing, or preparing a decision.
How to Check Your Disability Application Status Online
You must sign into your “my Social Security” account. You cannot check the status of your claim online if you don’t have an account.
Step-by-step instructions:
Select “View Details” to check your application status.
Scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section.
How to Create a “my Social Security” Account
Social Security asks for specific information to create an online account. You can only create an account for yourself, you cannot create one for another person.
You will need:
Firstly, A valid email address
Secondly, Your social security number
Thirdly, A U.S. mailing address
You must be at least 18 years old
Tip: Both SSDI and SSI applicants can create an account to track their claims. Your account also allows you to view your earnings history, estimate retirement benefits, and update personal information.
Other Ways to Check Your Application Status
If you cannot access your application online, you can also:
Call your local Social Security office
Call Social Security’s national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Checking your disability status online is important so you can:
Make sure Social Security has all the paperwork to process your application or receives your medical records
Avoid missing any deadlines to appeal your claim if you are denied
Understand how long it might take to get a decision
Timeline insight:
Initial decisions generally take 3–6 months.
Reconsideration appeals may take 3–5 months.
Hearings with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can take 9 months to over a year, depending on your location.
Filing For Social Security Disability Online Status
Social Security follows many steps before making a decision on your claim. The process can be overwhelming and frustrating if you don’t know how it works:
You send your disability application to your local Social Security office.
The local office processes your application.
Social Security sends your claim to Disability Determination Services or DDS. Shortly after you have been assigned a claim adjudicator, he or she will contact you and provide paperwork regarding your claim.
Disability Status Online: Reconsideration
If Social Security denies your initial application, you can file an appeal for reconsideration. This is the next step in the disability process and can take several months for a decision.
Disability Status Online: Requesting a Hearing
If Social Security denies your reconsideration appeal, you can request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Your case is sent to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)
OHO assigns an ALJ and sends you a letter with your hearing date, time, and location
Wait times can vary widely, sometimes taking 9 months to over a year
Benefits of Working with a Disability Advocate
Many people ask, “Do I need an advocate for Social Security Disability?” While you’re not required to have one, having our experienced team on your side can greatly improve your chances of approval. We guide you through every step of the application and appeals process, explain the often-complex Social Security disability rules, and help you gather the right medical records and work history to build a strong claim.
How an experienced disability advocate can help you:
1. Assistance with Social Security Forms
Social Security sends multiple forms requesting information about your daily activities, work history, and medical conditions. Missing or incomplete forms can lead to delays or claim denials. Our team of experienced disability advocates ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, helping prevent unnecessary setbacks in your claim.
2. Following Up with Social Security
SSA often sends letters indicating missing information or medical records. Our expert disability advocates monitor your claim closely, check its status more thoroughly than an online account or letter, and ensure that all necessary documents are received. This proactive approach helps keep your claim moving and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I check my SSI claim status without a my Social Security account? A: You can call your local SSA office or the national number at 1-800-772-1213.
Q: How long does it take to get Social Security disability benefits after approval? A: Typically, 1–3 months after approval, though it may vary depending on your case.
Q: Can someone else check my disability claim status for me? A: No. Only you can access your online account, though your appointed representative or advocate can contact SSA on your behalf.
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Our team of experienced Social Security Disability advocates knows the ins and outs of SSDI and are ready to fight to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation and expert guidance on your Social Security Disability claim. CLICK HERE for a FREE case evaluation.
If you’re applying for or considering applying for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, you’ve probably heard that denial rates are high. You may also know that if you appeal, you can wait a long time for a hearing. What you may not know is that both approval rates and the wait time for an appeal hearing differ based on geography. In other words, the chances of an initial SSD claim being approved are higher in some states than others. In fact, approval rates can vary from office to office or ALJ to ALJ within a state.
In 2024, approval rates for initial claims for SSD only ranged from 34.8% in the state with the lowest approval rate to 57.4%. Just five states had initial SSD approval rates higher than 50%:
New Hampshire – 57.4%
North Dakota – 56%
Vermont – 54%
Nebraska – 52.7%
Rhode Island – 51.5%
Most states had initial SSD application approval rates of between 40% and 50%. But, a handful of states had rates below 40%, including:
The states with the highest and lowest approval rates for Social Security disability benefits are listed above, but what if you live in and are applying for disability benefits in one of the dozens of other U.S. states? Here are the Q1 2024 approval rates for every state in the U.S., as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Alaska
49.8
Alabama
42.5
Arkansas
43.9
Arizona
34.8
California
42.5
Colorado
41
Connecticut
49.2
District of Columbia
45.8
Delaware
44.7
Florida
39.6
Georgia
39.4
Hawai’i
41.5
Iowa
48.7
Idaho
41.8
Illinois
46.3
Indiana
49.8
Kansas
48.4
Kentucky
40.6
Louisiana
45.9
Massachusetts
45.3
Maryland
47.2
Maine
46.4
Michigan
48.6
Minnesota
48.2
Missouri
47.5
Mississippi
46.7
Montana
43.5
North Carolina
40.8
North Dakota
56
Nebraska
52.7
New Hampshire
57.4
New Jersey
43.3
New Mexico
46.2
Nevada
38.8
New York
44.8
Ohio
44.1
Oklahoma
39.7
Oregon
47.9
Pennsylvania
46.4
Puerto Rico
46.1
Rhode Island
51.5
South Carolina
45.5
South Dakota
45.3
Tennessee
38.3
Texas
43.5
Utah
45.1
Virginia
48.9
Vermont
54
Washington
45.9
Wisconsin
49.8
West Virginia
41.7
Wyoming
47.3
Why are State SSD Approval Rates So Different?
It may surprise you that approval rates vary so much from state to state, given that Social Security disability is a federal program with a consistent set of requirements and eligibility criteria. There are several factors that may play a role in the SSD approval rate in a given state. It’s also worth noting that state populations vary significantly, meaning that the sample sizes are much different. For example, in Alaska, 313 initial SSD-only claims were decided in Q1 of 2024. During the same time period, more than 16,000 such claims were decided in California. A larger sample size makes the data more likely to be a reliable predictor.
Outcomes in a given state may be affected by variables such as:
How strictly applications are assessed by the team responsible for a particular location, which can vary based both on local procedures and on the individuals conducting the review
Access to quality medical care in the area, which in turn impacts the applicant’s ability to assemble solid medical documentation–insufficient documentation may delay claims or result in denial
The average age of the population, since older claimants are more likely to be approved
The educational level of the population, since workers with higher levels of education are generally considered better able to adapt to other work if they can no longer perform their previous work
The availability of quality assistance with the application process, which can make a significant difference in approval rates because an experienced advocate can ensure that the applicant avoids common mistakes and knows what type of documentation the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be looking for.
While it may be useful to know what to expect in terms of the likelihood of approval at the initial application stage in your state, it’s more important to focus on the factors that are within your control.
While most disabled workers aren’t in a position to relocate to a more favorable state to improve their odds of SSD approval, there are many steps you can take to strengthen your application. For example, you can:
Reliably see your doctor and any necessary specialists, ensuring that you’ve established a thorough record of your condition
Follow through with testing and treatment recommendations, to avoid the SSA deciding that they don’t have enough information about what your medical condition would be with property treatment to deem you disabled
Assemble a complete, effective application with the right type of documentation
Respond promptly to any requests from the SSA, such as a request for additional records or to undergo a specific test or exam
Know when to get help
An Experienced Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help
The SSD application process can be daunting. As you can see above, more than half of applications are denied in most states. Often, those denials could have been avoided. You can’t afford to make mistakes or omit important supporting evidence.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Whether you are preparing to file a Social Security disability benefits application for the first time or have been denied and want to pursue a request for reconsideration or appeal, Disability Help Group is here for you. We help people with SSD applications and appeals every day, and have in-depth knowledge of both processes and how to assemble the documentation the SSA will want to see. To learn more about how our experienced disability benefits advocates can help you submit the strongest possible application, request for reconsideration or appeal, call 800-800-3332 right now, or fill out our contact form here.
Until 1997, Social Security benefits were paid on the 3rd of each month. That was true whether you were receiving retirement benefits or Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). Now, the date that your disability pay arrives depends on the type of benefit you receive and your birth date.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes payments for several different programs. A disabled person may receive SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or both. SSDI benefits are based on your work history, just like your Social Security retirement benefits. SSI is a needs-based program that is administered by the SSA but is funded separately.
Here’s what you can expect if you are receiving SSDI, SSI or both.
SSDI Disability Payment Schedule
If you started receiving SSDI benefits after 1997, your birthday will determine the date you receive your payment. Under the current Social Security disability payment schedule, f your birthday falls between:
1st-10th of a month, SSDI checks or direct deposit will arrive on the second Wednesday of every month.
11th-20th of a month, SSDI checks or direct deposit will arrive on the third Wednesday of every month.
21st-31st of a month, SSDI checks or direct deposit will arrive on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
If you received benefits before 1997, your SSDI payment date will be on the third day of the month. It does not matter what day your birthday falls on.
SSI Payment Schedule
While SSDI payment dates are spread throughout the month based on your birth date, all SSI payments are made on the same date: the first day of the month. If you receive both SSI and SSDI, your payments will be made separately.
How Does the SSA Treat Weekends and Holidays?
Since most SSDI payment dates fall on Wednesdays, that payment schedule is generally not disrupted by federal holidays, and those dates obviously never fall on Saturday or Sunday. That’s not true for SSI payments, which are scheduled for the first of the month, nor for those SSDI payments that are made on the third day of the month.
When the first or third day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, those payments are made on the last regular business day before the scheduled payment date. When this happens, the recipient may get two SSI payments or SSDI payments in the same calendar month and then none in the subsequent month. For example, in 2025 SSI recipients will receive one payment on August 1 and another on August 29th. That’s because the 30th and 31s of August fall on Saturday and Sunday, and September 1 is Labor Day.
SSDI and SSI Combined Payments Schedule
If you receive SSDI and SSI payments together, you will receive your SSI payment on the first day of the month and your SSDI payment on the third of the month.
How Long Does it Take to Receive SSDI Payments?
How long it takes to receive your monthly benefits and back pay after you’ve been approved for SSDI benefits varies. Most recipients start getting benefits one to two months after approval, and back pay usually arrives during that same time frame. But, the SSA says it may take three to five months to receive back pay, and some claimants report receiving it within just a few weeks.
If you apply for SSDI immediately upon becoming disabled and your claim is approved quickly, you may have to wait a little longer. That’s because there is a five month waiting period between onset of your disability and the time you become eligible for benefits. So, for example, if you become disabled in January and are approved for benefits in April, you’ll have to wait a few months for your benefits to kick in.
You won’t have to guess at this, though. Your SSDI award letter will include a “date of entitlement,” which is the first month you will be eligible to receive benefits. If you don’t start receiving benefits on schedule, you should contact the SSA for help.
How to Receive Your SSDI and SSI Payments
Social Security offers several ways to send your SSDI or SSI payments.
For example:
Direct Deposit, which is probably the safest way to receive your disability payments since they cannot be lost or stolen if deposited directly into your bank account.
The Direct Express Card program, which credits money directly to a swipe-able card.
SSDI recipients can still receive their payments by mail. It is better to receive payments through one of Social Security’s preferred methods to avoid the possibility of lost or stolen checks. Social Security asks that you not contact them about lost checks until the fourth day after the first of the month. SSI recipients must receive their funds electronically, using one of the two bulleted options above.
Tax on Social Security Benefits
You may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefit, depending on your income level. In 2025, SSDI income–like Social Security retirement income–is only taxable when the total of your other income plus 50% of your Social Security income exceeds a certain threshold. The applicable cut-offs are:
$25,000 if your tax filing status is single, head of household, qualifying surviving spouse, or married filing separately and have lived apart from your spouse for the full year
$32,000 for married couples filing jointly
$0 for married couples filing separately who lived together at any point during the tax year
SSI income is not taxable.
Social Security doesn’t automatically withhold taxes, but does offer voluntary tax withholding from your benefit. You can choose this option by completing Form W-4V. There are specific percentages to choose from. You can obtain the form from Social Security, request it from the IRS, or ask your representative for a copy.
Generally, you would receive a refund when filing taxes the following year if you opted to voluntarily have taxes withheld and you overpaid.
Call Now for a Free Case Review, (800) 800-3332
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us here to receive a FREE consultation.
Many people experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
You may qualify for SSDI disability benefits for depression or anxiety disorders. However, you must show that your symptoms interfere with your ability to work. You must also show that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Depressive Disorders
Depression is a very common medical condition listed on Social Security disability applications.
Depressive disorders can cause:
Fatigue,
Decreased energy levels,
Decreased motivation and loss of interest.
Depression and Social Security’s Listings of Medical Impairments
Social Security has a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book.” Under the Blue Book, you may qualify for disability benefits if you meet specific conditions. Social Security evaluates depressive disorders under listing 12.04. Additionally, the listings include a list of symptoms. It also includes a list of functional problems. You must show that your symptoms meet these conditions to qualify for disability benefits for depression. First, you must show at least five symptoms of depression to prove that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of depression can include:
Depressed mood, loss of interest, appetite, or sleep disturbances
Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation or decreased energy
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating or thinking
Thoughts of death or suicide
Second, in addition to having at least three of the above symptoms, you must also prove that your symptoms cause a significant problem in your functioning. Generally, you must have an extreme limitation in at least one area or a marked limitation in at least two areas. These areas of functioning include:
Depression: Four areas of functioning
You must also prove that your symptoms cause a severe problem in your functioning. Generally, you must have an extreme limitation in at least one area. Alternatively, you can have a marked limitation in at least two areas.
These areas of functioning include:
Understanding, remembering, or applying information (understanding instructions, learning new tasks, applying new knowledge to tasks, and using judgment in decisions)
Interacting with others (the ability to use socially appropriate behaviors)
Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace in performing tasks (staying focused and completing tasks)
Adapting or managing oneself (the ability to perform daily activities such as paying bills, cooking, shopping, dressing, and keeping good hygiene)
Depression and the “C” criteria
Alternatively, you may also meet the listing another way.
Under the 12.04C, you can show your depressive disorder has been:
Serious and ongoing for at least two years, and
You need a very structured environment, such as an intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program, or
You cannot handle changes in your routine or environment
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders have many symptoms. They include overwhelming feelings of panic and fear. Additionally, symptoms include constant worry, irritability, insomnia, tiredness, difficulty focusing and constantly looking for threats. Anxiety symptoms can also cause physical symptoms. As a result, your anxiety may cause rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, nausea, muscle tension, or difficulty breathing.
Social Security looks at anxiety disorders under listing 12.06. In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must have medical documentation that shows three or more anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of Anxiety can be:
Restlessness, easily fatigued, or difficulty concentrating
Irritability, muscle tension, or problems sleeping
Anxiety: Four Areas Of Functioning
Additionally, you must also prove that your symptoms cause a severe problem in your functioning. They are the same areas of functioning that are evaluated for depression and include:
Understanding, remembering, or applying information (understanding instructions, learning new tasks, applying new knowledge to tasks, and using judgment in decisions)
Interacting with others (the ability to use socially appropriate behaviors)
Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace in performing tasks (staying focused and completing tasks)
Adapting or managing oneself (the ability to perform daily activities such as paying bills, cooking, shopping, dressing, and keeping good hygiene)
Anxiety and The “C” Criteria
On the other hand, you may also meet the criteria under the listing if your anxiety disorder has been:
Required to keep a highly structured setting to reduce your symptoms, such as an intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program, or
Have minimal capacity to adapt to demands that are not already part of your daily life or changes to your environment
What if My Anxiety or Depression Does Not Meet a Listing?
Your depression or anxiety symptoms may not meet an SSD listing. Fortunately, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In this case, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do even with your medical impairments. Particularly, Social Security looks at how your depression or anxiety symptoms impact your ability to work.
Specifically, they consider your ability to:
Carry out simple instructions
Make simple work-related decisions
Respond appropriately to supervision and co-workers and
Handle changes in a routine
Show up to work consistently, arrive on time, or leave early
What You Need For Your SSD Claim If You Can’t Work Due To Depression and Anxiety
It can be difficult to win disability benefits for depression or anxiety alone. However, the right documentation can support your claim. Therefore, you must see your doctor regularly. Tell them about all of the symptoms you have on a daily basis. Also, your disability advocate can explain the evidence you will need to prove you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Getting the Right Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
Social Security also looks at what kind of doctor is treating your anxiety and depression. As a rule, it is best to receive treatment from a mental health professional. Typically, these include a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may need to see a specialist to help prove that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
RFC Forms If You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
If you can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression your doctor may also complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. An RFC form helps explain how your symptoms are impacting your functioning. Even if you think your medical evidence is strong, an RFC can help clearly explain how severe your symptoms are. Furthermore, it also helps to have your doctor’s opinion in the record. Your disability advocate can provide you with these forms.
Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Impairments
Social Security follows specific rules when making a decision. They look at your age, education, and work background. These medical-vocational guidelines are even more favorable when you have a physical condition in addition to depression or anxiety. These are also known as the Grid Rules. The rules make it easier to get your disability benefits the older you are.
Example 1: Applying the Grid Rules If You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
51 years old and worked as a cashier. You have filed for disability due to osteoarthritis of your knees and anxiety. Your osteoarthritis prevents you from standing for long periods. Your anxiety symptoms make it hard for you to concentrate and be around crowds of people. If Social Security found that you could do a seated job that only required simple, routine tasks, you would qualify for benefits under the grid rules.
Example 2: Applying the Grid Rules if You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
58 years old and worked previously as a medical receptionist for many years. You have filed for disability due to bulging discs in your back, depression, and anxiety. Your bulging discs would prevent you from performing physically demanding work and your depression and anxiety symptoms prevent you from doing the complex tasks of your previous job. In this case, the grid rules would allow Social Security to award you disability benefits even if you could do other work.
If you can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression or any other disability call Disability Help Group now to start your claim or appeal your denial. Feel free to call us at (800) 800-3332 or contact us here for a free consultation.
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If Someone Getting SSD Dies, Can I Get Their Benefits?
Not exactly. Social Security disability benefits (SSD) are for the disabled worker, and those benefits terminate when the recipient passes away. But that doesn’t necessarily mean dependents are on their own. Here are some benefits that may be available to surviving family members when an SSD recipient passes away.
Social Security Death Benefit
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays a one-time, lump-sum death benefit when a recipient of either SSD or Social Security retirement benefits passes away. This is a small payment. In 2023, it’s $255. This benefit is payable to the surviving spouse if there is one. If not, the benefit may be paid to a child of the deceased.
Survivor’s Benefits
Some dependents of a deceased SSD recipient can receive survivor’s benefits.
These family members may qualify for benefits on the deceased’s work record:
A surviving spouse aged 60 or older
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for a child of the deceased who is under the age of 16
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for a child of the deceased who is disabled
A surviving spouse aged 50 or older who became disabled during the SSD recipient’s life or within seven years of their death.
An unmarried child of the deceased who is under the age of 18, or up to age 19 and two months if they are a full-time student in elementary or secondary school
An adult child with a disability that began before age 22
In some circumstances, others may be able to receive survivor’s benefits.
These include:
A former spouse who was married to the SSD recipient for at least 10 years and who has not remarried or who remarried after age 60
A former spouse who is caring for a child of the deceased who is under the age of 16 or disabled and is receiving child’s benefits, regardless of the length of the marriage
Parents of the deceased who are at least 62 years of age, if they received at least half of their support from the deceased SSD recipient
The amount of survivor’s benefits that a family member receives will depend on both the deceased’s work record and the number of family members receiving benefits.
An Experienced Disability Benefits Attorney Can Help
Applying for Social Security survivor benefits can be complicated. If you’ve been denied survivor benefits, don’t believe you are receiving the right amount, or just aren’t sure how to find out whether you qualify, we’re here to help. Call us today at (800) 800-3332 or fill out our contact us here now for a FREE consultation.
Best Tips When Appealing Your Denied Disability Claim
Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits serve as an important safety net for U.S. workers who become disabled before retirement age. Unfortunately, most claims for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied. In other words, when you file for SSDI benefits, you should be prepared to have to work your way through the process. That means:
If your claim is still denied after reconsideration, request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), which will offer you the opportunity to share additional information and present witnesses
If your claim is denied after the ALJ hearing, request a review of the hearing decision–however, the Appeals Council gets to decide whether or not to review your case
If your claim is denied by the Appeals Council or they opt not to consider your case, file a lawsuit in federal court
Of course, each stage means additional time. So, you’ll want to make sure that you set yourself up for the greatest chance of success at every stage. Ideally, that means working with an experienced disability benefits advocate to put together your original claim or to help with whatever stage of the appeals process you’re undertaking.
Increasing Your Chances of Winning in the Appeals Process After You’ve Been Denied
The very first step toward successfully appealing your SSDI denial is understanding the reason for your denial. Carefully review your denial letter, and consider contacting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) for more information or getting help from an experienced advocate.
It’s also very important that you meet the deadline for requesting reconsideration or appealing the decision. If you miss the deadline, you can reapply, but you will set your claim back by several months and may lose out on some benefits if you have to start over.
Regardless of whether you are submitting a request for reconsideration or appearing before an ALJ, you’ll want to supplement the record in any way you can. That may mean updated medical records, the results of testing you’ve undergone since you submitted your application, witnesses who observe your daily life, or other evidence that helps show you are disabled.
An Experienced Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help With Your Denied Claim
Perhaps the most important tip is to get the help you need. Part of increasing your chances of success in the SSDI appeals process is understanding what the SSA is looking for and how best to present that evidence. Our disability benefits advocates have extensive experience with Social Security disability claims and appeals and can help you put forth the strongest case possible.
To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 or contact us here for a FREE consultation.
