Waiting to learn the status of your disability claim can be stressful. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can check on the status of your claim, depending on the stage your claim is in.
Below, the Harrisburg Social Security Disability attorneys of Schmidt Kramer explain the different ways to stay updated about the status of your claim.
Contact our experienced attorneys today to learn about the many ways we can help you pursue Social Security Disability benefits, including handling any appeals of your claim decision.
Checking Disability Claim Status Online
Your disability claim status can be checked anytime by visiting the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website. You will need to set up a my Social Security account to do so.
Once logged in to your account, you will be able to view the status of your disability claim, including:
- Re-entry number of your online benefit application if it is pending or on appeal
- Re-entry number for your appeal you have not completed or submitted
- Date your application or appeal was received by the SSA
- Date and time of scheduled hearings, if applicable
- Location of the SSA office that is reviewing your disability claim or appeal
- If a decision has been reached by the SSA
Other Ways to Check Disability Claim Status
In addition to looking up your claim status online, you can check its status by:
- Calling the SSA at 800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Calling your local SSA office. Find the nearest location using the SSA Office Locator.
How Long Until a Decision Is Made on My Disability Claim?
Most decisions are made for disability claims within three to four weeks. However, in some cases it can take up to six months for a decision to be made.
A decision may be fast-tracked if your condition is listed on the Compassionate Allowances list, allowing you to receive benefits sooner.
If the SSA decides to deny your claim and you wish to appeal the decision of your disability claim, working with a skilled disability attorney could help the appeals process move more quickly. Your attorney may use one of these methods to speed up your appeal:
On the Record Review (OTR) – This may be requested by your disability attorney in place of an appeal hearing. An OTR may be appropriate if your appeal requires no testimonies and your medical records adequately support your disability. During an OTR, an administrative law judge will review your records to come to an OTR decision in your case.
Attorney advisor decision – This is requested through the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Your attorney will ask the ODAR to reconsider your claim decision. This may be appropriate if:
- The SSA made a mistake when making your claim decision.
- A federal law has been changed that affects your claim.
- There is new evidence that supports your claim.
The ODAR’s attorney advisor may interview you, and will review the evidence in your case. He or she may write a fully favorable opinion supporting your claim. This opinion can be used to secure your disability benefits instead of waiting for an appeal hearing to occur.
Contact Our Disability Lawyers Now
Waiting around to learn the status of your disability claim can be stressful, especially when decisions are not made quickly. The Harrisburg Social Security Disability lawyers of Schmidt Kramer support our clients through the disability claims process, helping to collect evidence to support the claim and pursuing the SSA for timely decisions.
If your disability claim decision is delayed or you wish to appeal the decision, you should strongly consider working with our skilled disability attorneys. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and work on contingency only – legal fees are only owed to us if we successfully secure compensation for you.
Call (717) 888-8888 or complete our Free Case Review form now.