There are several ways to check the status of your claim, depending on which stage your case is currently in.
If one of our attorneys at the Disability Advantage Group is representing you for your disability case, you can always call 865-999-0962 and speak to your lawyer directly for the status of your claim. We endeavor to always keep you abreast of any changes in your claim and are here to answer any questions you may have.
How do I check the status of my disability claim or case online?
In addition to talking to your attorney, one of the fastest ways to check the status of your disability claim at any hour of the day is to login to your my Social Security account. If you have yet to set up an account online, you will need to complete that simple process before you can check your claim status.
Once logged in, you can view your application status, which will show:
- Your re-entry number for your pending online benefit application or appeal that you have not yet completed and submitted;
- The date the Social Security Administration (SSA) received your application or appeal;
- The date and time of any scheduled hearings;
- The location of the office currently reviewing your claim or appeal; and
- Whether the SSA has made a decision about your claim.
In what other ways can I check the status of my disability claim?
There are two additional ways you can check the status of your claim:
- Call the main SSA number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
- Contact your local Social Security office. To find the nearest office, use the Social Security Office Locator.
How long does it take for the SSA to reach a decision for a disability case?
The SSA makes a decision on most Social Security Disability (SSD) claims within three or four months, although up to six months is not uncommon. If you have one of the serious conditions listed on the Social Security Compassionate Allowances list, your benefits can be expedited.
Note however, if your claim was denied and your case needs to be heard by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), it can dramatically increase the time it takes for your case to finalize. The waiting list for hearings with an ALJ are lengthy and can last anywhere from nine months to well over two years.
If your initial claim was denied and you want to appeal the SSA’s decision, there are a couple of ways you and your lawyer might be able to speed up the process:
- OTRs – A disability lawyer might be able to help you request an “on the record” (OTR) review rather than waiting for an appeal hearing. This only applies if you have sufficient medical records to prove that you are disabled and do not need to provide any testimonies. An ALJ will review your medical records and make an OTR decision without you having to wait for a hearing.
- Attorney advisor decision – Another way to avoid the wait for a hearing with an ALJ is for you or your attorney to contact the local Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) and ask them to reconsider their decision. You would need to show that either the SSA made an error, that there has been a change in federal law that applies to your case, or that you have new evidence to support your claim. If, after reviewing the facts and possibly interviewing you, the attorney advisor writes you an opinion that is “fully favorable,” you can obtain your benefits without waiting for the hearing.
Get a FREE consultation with a disability attorney.
For more questions about SSD or if you are having trouble getting a decision in a timely manner, contact the Disability Advantage Group and request a free consultation with a disability lawyer today: 865-999-0962.