Have you been waiting months to learn of your Social Security decision? If so, checking your claim status is advisable. While you can call your local Social Security office branch, you’ll only receive general information regarding your claim. The claims rep won’t be able to tell you when you may expect a decision or if there are problems delaying the process. Checking your disability claim status online won’t provide the detailed information you seek either.
Initial Claims
If your initial claim is still pending or you are at the reconsideration (first appeal) level, speaking with the disability examiner assigned to evaluate your case will offer you the most benefit. Disability examiners are part of the Disability Determination Services (DDS), not the Social Security Administration (SSA). Typically, disability examiners can be easily reached via telephone.
To contact the disability examiner about your claim, call your state DDS. Tell the representative that you are calling in reference to your claim status; you may be asked for your Social Security number. Once connected, your disability examiner can easily inform you whether or not your case is pending. If your case is decided, your examiner can notify you of this status, but you will have to await notification from the SSA regarding approval, as they are responsible for the final decision. The examiner may also be able to inform you of any steps you can take to expedite your case.
Appeals
For those who have submitted a request for a second appeal – a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ) – the DDS is no longer involved and your claim has gone back to the SSA and is awaiting a date for the hearing. The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) will be able to provide you information on the status of your hearing request, as they operate independently of the SSA. Regional offices are available via telephone.
The easiest way to remain informed about your application is to hire a Social Security disability attorney who will handle all of the logistics of your case and will continually inform you of updates and changes in your status.
Our attorneys will work with you from day one to ensure your application is complete and submitted on time. As you progress through the appeals process, they will provide valuable legal guidance and ensure you know what is happening with your case at all times.
Learn more about how we can help you by calling 1-800-503-2000.