How do I check the status of my Social Security Disability claim?Once you complete your disability claim with Social Security, it is sent to a state disability-processing agency (DDS) for a medical determination. It is assigned to a disability examiner who begins the process of gathering medical records from all the sources you listed in your disability application. This can take some time to do, so you should probably wait about thirty days or so before contacting Social Security about the status of your disability claim. Medical records must be collected from various doctors and it takes some doctors longer than others to send their records to SSA. Since a disability examiner cannot really make a determination on a disability claim until they receive your medical records, it is not a bad idea to check in about a month after you file your disability claim to make sure that SSA has everything they need. They may need you to contact your doctor to help expedite getting your medical records to SSA, or they may just need more information from you in order to make a decision on your case. To get a status on your disability claim, you may call your local Social Security office or the toll free number for Social Security. However, it is probably more beneficial to you to contact the state disability agency working on your disability claim. By contacting DDS (you may obtain the number for this agency by contacting the social security office where you filed your claim), you may speak directly to the disability examiner who is responsible for your disability determination. A state disability examiner may not inform you of any decision regarding your claim (assuming a decision has been made by the time you call). However, the examiner may be able to update you on the processing status of your case (for instance, if medical records are still waiting to be received from one of your doctors or hospitals). You must speak with Social Security to get any information about your disability decision. Often, disability claims are sent from the state disability processing agency to a quality review office for a quality review. They have the power to change the decision, which is why the decision is not given out until your disability claim file is back in the jurisdiction of your local Social Security office. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Disability lawyers in North Carolina Social Security Disability Status on a pending claim How do I check the status of my Social Security Disability claim? What is usually the status of your Social Security Disability or SSI case? Social Security Disability Status - when should I call to check Social Security Disability Claim Status- Monitor your case How long does it take to get a decision on Social Security Disability or SSI? Getting your Social Security Disability Claim Status in Illinois How to Get the Status on Your Social Security Disability Claim in North Carolina Social Security Disability or SSI Claim Status in Florida Social Security Disability Status or SSI Update in New York Why do you receive a Social Security Disability benefit back payment? Determining Social Security Disability and SSI eligibility File for disability or SSI in Pennsylvania SSI Disability in Pennsylvania Permanent Social Security Disability Pennsylvania |
