How can I use a My Social Security Account to track my disability case?

Along with checking current and future benefits and accessing a host of Social Security services, you can use your online My Social Security account to check the status of an application or appeal for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

The same holds for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program administered by Social Security that, like SSDI, provides benefits for people with disabilities.

If you don't yet have a My Social Security account, head to the setup page to get started. Social Security estimates the sign-up process will take less than 10 minutes.

Once you have an account, log in with your username and password, scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section and select “View Details” under the “More Info” heading to check on your application status.

If your initial disability claim was rejected and you are pursuing an appeal, you can also use My Social Security to track your case through the various review and hearing steps.

When you check your application status at My Social Security, you can find:

• The “re-entry number” Social Security issues so that you can return to an online application or appeal you have started but not yet submitted (you can save the information in your filing as you go)
• The date Social Security received your application or appeal
• The scheduled hearing date and time
• The address of the office processing your application or appeal
• Whether a decision has been made on your case

Managing your case online is typically faster and simpler than attempting to do so in person or by phone, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with local Social Security offices largely closed to the public for in-person service and call wait times likely to be lengthy.

Tracking your application or appeal status online also means you can get the information you need at any time, on any internet-connected device — but only sign into My Social Security when you are on a secure, private connection like your home Wi-Fi or a virtual private network (VPN).

Keep in mind

• My Social Security accounts use “two-factor authentication.” When you create your account, Social Security asks for a cellphone number or email address it can use to send you a passcode to verify your identity whenever you sign in.
• If you've lost or forgotten your re-entry number for a saved application or appeal, log in to My Social Security and click the “Get Re-entry Number” link found in the “Your Benefit Applications” tab.