After you have gathered medical records to support your disability claim and completed and submitted your disability application, the next step is the most difficult.
Just wait. Sometimes, you wait a long time.
When you apply for disability, your application will be sent to a disability examiner at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office. Depending on the field office's caseload and the completeness of your application, it may take one to three months (and possibly longer) to find out whether you have been approved to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
If your disability application is denied and you appeal, there will be another waiting period. In Illinois, you have to wait an average of 14.9 months for an administrative hearing. This does not include the time it takes for the administrative law judge to rule on your appeal.
Understandably, all the process of waiting to begin receiving Social Security Disability benefits can be difficult. Fortunately, There are several options available for checking the status of your disability application while you wait for a formal decision.
🌐 Option 1: Check your disability application status online
The SSA wants individuals to check the status of their claims through My Social Security, a secure online portal accessed through the SSA website. To use this option, you must create an account on the mySocialSecurity website. After creating your account, you can log in at any time to view the following information:
- The date your disability application was received
- The current location of your disability claim or appeal (i.e., at your local SSA field office, the administrative law judge is present, and the judgment is mailed)
- The date and time of your administrative hearing (if scheduled)
- Has a decision been made?
Creating an account also allows you to view information unrelated to your disability application, such as your last reported annual income and estimated retirement benefits. Because Social Security disability benefits are calculated based on earnings in previous years, it's a good idea to review this information periodically. If SSA's salary information is inaccurate or conflicts with the financial information you submitted on your disability application, it may delay the processing of your application and/or reduce your benefit award. If there are any errors, be sure to notify SSA immediately.
The fastest and easiest way to check the status of your SSDI or SSI is through SSA's secure portal:
✅ Step by step:
- Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
- Create or log in to your my social security account
- Navigate to your application status dashboard
You will be able to see:
- When your application is received
- At what stage (e.g., with a disability examiner, in a hearing office, etc.)
- if a decision has been made
- Details of scheduled administrative hearing (if applicable)
📌Pro Tips:
your my social security account Also gives you access to:
- Your most recently reported annual income
- Estimated pension
- Medicare Eligibility
Why this is important: Your SSDI award amount is based on your lifetime earnings.
If there are differences in your reported income, it could delay your claim or reduce your benefit amount. Check carefully and report any errors immediately.
☎️Option 2: Check your disability status over the phone
If you don't have Internet access or don't want to create my social security accountyou can check the status of your disability application the old-fashioned way—by phone. Simply call your local SSA field office for the latest information.
how:
- Contact your local SSA field office
- Please visit ssa.gov/locator to find your office’s contact number
When you call, please have the following items ready:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Full legal name and date of birth
- A copy of your application or case number (if available)
An SSA agent can tell you how your application is progressing and whether a decision has been made.
⚖️Option 3: Hire a disability attorney to manage your claim
If you feel overwhelmed by the process or have faced delays or denials Social Security Disability Lawyers Can:
- Check your status on your behalf
- Communicate directly with the SSA office
- Identify missing documents or errors
- Represent you at hearings or appeals
- Improve your chances of getting approved
In fact, claimants who have legal representation are statistically more likely to receive benefits, especially at the hearing stage.
You can hire a Social Security Disability attorney at any stage of the application process. Disability attorneys focus solely on helping clients obtain SSD benefits and gain a complete understanding of SSA regulations, the information needed to support your disability claim, and the best way to file that claim. Not only does this greatly improve your chances of getting your disability claim approved, but it also makes the entire process less stressful.
📞 Get help applying for a disability
exist Good Law Groupwe assist individuals at every stage of the disability process—from the initial application to reconsideration, hearings, and appeals.
✅ We check your claim status
✅ We help avoid delays and rejections
✅ We only get paid if you win
Don't wait and wonder.
📍 Serving applicants with disabilities in Illinois and nationwide
📞 Call (847) 577-4476 for a free consultation.
What Does the “Five Month Waiting Period” Mean in SSDI Claims – Video
🔎FAQ
How long does it take to decide a disability claim?
The initial SSDI/SSI decision usually takes 1-3 months. If denied and appealed, the wait time for a hearing in Illinois is approximately 14.9 months, plus additional time for the judge to make a decision.
What is the best way to check my Social Security disability status?
The mySocialSecurity online portal is the most accurate and up-to-date way to check the status of your SSDI or SSI claim.
Can an attorney help me check the status of my disability case?
Yes. A disability attorney can monitor your case, follow up with the SSA office, and help avoid processing errors that lead to delays or denials.
