How to check status of social security disability claim

Much to the chagrin of SSI and SSDI applicants nationwide, disability claims can be notoriously slow to process.  In many cases, the Social Security Administration takes at least several months to return an approval or denial.  Once you’ve filed a submission, you’ll probably want to periodically check your application status while your claim is under review.   The Philadelphia and Bucks County social security attorneys of Young, Marr & Associates explain how.
If you’re considering filing for disability in Philadelphia or Bucks County, or if your claim has already been denied and you want to appeal the decision, our legal team is here to help. At Young, Marr & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience handling thousands of claims, and offer free initial consultations for new clients.
To get started discussing your legal options, call our law offices at (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania today. We will always keep your information confidential.

How Long Will it Take for My Disability Claim to Be Processed?

It’s understandable to want a quick response after you’ve submitted a claim for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance).  You’ve put in the time and effort to compile your medical information, and now an important decision about your financial future hangs in the balance.  Just how long are you going to have to wait to find out if you’ve been denied or approved?
Unfortunately, there’s no cut-and-dried answer to that question.  The processing time for each individual claim can vary dramatically due to factors such as:

• How serious your medical condition is.  Conditions which plainly meet the medical requirements provided by the Listing of Impairments, such as having a limb amputation or documented organ transplant, are more likely to be quickly approved than conditions which are not immediately apparent.  On a similar note,  applicants with advanced terminal conditions like cancer may be approved for expedited claims processing through the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program.

• Whether the SSA requires that you submit to any additional exams.

• How many other claims the SSA is already processing.

• How long it takes for the SSA to get in touch with your physician and secure medical evidence like lab results.

• How long it takes for you to respond to any SSA inquiries for further information. The more responsive you are, the faster your claim will be processed!

Generally speaking, most applicants can expect to receive a definitive yes or no answer within 90 to 120 days, or about three to four months.  If you haven’t heard back — or if you’re simply curious about where your application stands — it’s time to check the status of your claim.

Checking the Status of a Pending Application for SSI or SSDI

It’s easy to check the status of a pending application for SSDI or SSI.  There are three ways to get started reviewing your claim’s current status:

• You can go to your local SSA office to meet with a representative face-to-face.  First, locate your nearest SSA office by using the SSA office locator tool.  Once you’ve entered your zip code, the locator tool will provide the information you need to contact your local SSA office, including addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

• You can call the SSA for assistance by dialing (215) 701-6519.  If you have trouble hearing, call (800) 325-0778 instead.  The SSA’s phone lines are staffed with representatives Monday through Friday, 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

• You can check the status of your application online.  For most applicants, this is probably the easiest method.  To check your claim’s status online, first navigate to the SSA’s Application Status Information page.  For your security, the page will prompt you to supply your SSN and confirmation number.

Note the online tool will not be able to provide information about claims received within the past five days.  If you filed your claim within the past five days and want to check its status, you may have more success calling the SSA to speak to a representative in person. But remember: claims typically take at least three months to process.  If you submitted your application only days ago, it is unlikely that the SSA has any new information to provide regarding its status.
Otherwise, your online application status should show the following information:

• The date the SSA received your claim.
• Whether the SSA has made any requests for further documentation.
• The address of the field office handling your claim.
• Whether a decision has been made.

Our Philadelphia + Bucks County Disability Attorneys Can Help

If you or someone you love plans to apply for disability benefits in Philadelphia or Bucks County, or if you need assistance appealing a denial, our disability lawyers are here to help.  To schedule your free and private case evaluation, call Young, Marr & Associates at (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania today.