How can I check the status of my application or appeal?

Last Updated on May 25, 2022 by Deborah L. Hardin

Question: Is there a way to check the status of my application for SSDI benefits online?

Dear Reader:

The answer to your question is: YES.

Social Security USED TO have a simple tool where you could type in your claim number and confirmation number, and *poof* just like magic – you got an update on the status of your application!

Not anymore.

Why not?  Well, I guess that was just too easy. This is the government, after all.

Now, SSA wants you to use your “my Social Security” account.

The good news: you can do a lot with this online account.  The bad news: it takes some time to set it up.

Using your “my Social Security” online account, you can:

• request a replacement social security card;
• check the status of your application or appeal;
• get your Social Security Statement (which provides estimates of retirement benefits and more);
• get a benefit verification letter;
• and more.

So, how hard is it to get one of these “my Social Security” accounts?

I opened one myself, so I could answer this question. It really isn’t hard at all, but it does take time.

1. Start by going to https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
2. Click on “sign in or create account”
3. This takes you to another page, where you click on “create account.”
4. Now, you are taken to yet another page. This time you have a bunch of “terms of service” to read. Click on “I agree to the Terms of Service” box, at the bottom of the page. Then, click “next.”
5. Next, you are taken to a page where you will need to enter the following information about yourself: name, social security number, birthdate, home address, and phone number. If you want to, you can “add an extra layer of security to your account” by letting them send you a text message every time you log in.  Click “next” at the bottom.
6. Now, the SSA will ask you about some items that they have pulled off your credit report. This is how they verify that it really is YOU.  For example: Who is the credit provider for your student loan? or On which of the following streets have you lived?  Don’t worry – these are multiple choice questions!
7. Once you make it through the maze of credit report questions, you get to pick out your username and password. You will also create some “password reset questions” to use if you forget your password. After you have finished all of this, click “next.”
8. Congratulations! You have successfully created an account!

Now, you will have access to estimated benefits, earnings records, replacement documents, and more.

And YES, you can check the status of your SSDI/SSI application or appeal.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question, and best of luck with your claim!

Deborah L. Hardin, Managing Attorney

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