- 1). Call Social Security's toll-free number, 800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number handy. When the representative comes on the line, give your name and Social Security number, and request a status on your claim or appeal. In most cases, the rep will tell you that the claim is pending at your state's Disability Determination Service, or DDS, where the adjudicator is assigned to review the file.
- 2). Check the status online by going to the Social Security website, socialsecurity.gov, clicking the "Disability" tab and then clicking the link to "Check Application Status." Enter your Social Security number and application confirmation number to find out the status.
- 3). Visit your local Social Security office. Take your Social Security number and identification. Social Security has a nationwide computer network, on which representatives can check the status of your claim. If the claim is still pending, the rep will let you know. Social Security offices sometimes reveal the decision on the claim, if one has been made. The usual procedure, however, is to mail out a Notice of Decision to the claimant.
- 4). Hire an attorney to represent you for the claim. An experienced Social Security attorney can file the necessary paperwork, and ensure that you are meeting all the deadlines and filing requirements. Attorneys can also file appeals on your behalf, and represent you at a disability hearing. At any time, you can contact the attorney to find out the status on your SSI case. Many attorneys follow up with Social Security to check status once a month or so.
- 5). Contact the Disability Determination Service in your state directly, and ask to speak to the adjudicator who is working on your file. This is the last resort to get the status, as adjudicators are difficult to reach and often do not return phone calls from claimants. However, if you reach an adjudicator, you will have a chance to discuss the claim and learn of any needed paperwork that the DDS may still be waiting for, either from your doctors or from you.
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