More and more people all over the United States are counting on Social Security to make sure they have money in the future. The application process for things like disability and SSI, as well as retirement benefits, can take a while.
It is normal for people who are applying to know where their application stands. There are reliable ways to check on the status of your application and get real-time updates, but wait times can be different depending on the type of benefit.
A lot of people need to know the status of their application in order to plan their budget and figure out when they will start getting benefits.
Luckily, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made tools that applicants can use to keep in touch without having to go to an office. The SSA offers online and phone options that can be used to get quick and correct answers.
You can get the peace of mind you need while you wait for your benefit to be approved by finding out how to check the status of your application, either online or in some other way. The best part is that this information is simple to check.
How to check the status of your Social Security application online
The fastest and easiest way to find out what is going on with a Social Security application is to do it online. Through the SSA’s official platform, applicants can get detailed and up-to-date information about how their application is going. Here’s how to use this tool:
- Create an account on My Social Security: If you do not yet have an account, register on the My Social Security portal. This service allows users to view their work history, benefit estimates, and the status of pending applications.
- Log in and select ‘View my application status’: Once inside your account, look for the section corresponding to the status of your application. Here you will find details on the current stage of your application.
- See specific details: The portal will tell you whether the application is under review, requires additional documentation, or has been approved or denied.
The process goes faster if you use the My Social Security portal. It also gives you access to other services like changing your address, updating your information, and asking about your payment.
You can use the online platform at any time because it is open 24 hours a day.
Other options for checking the status of your SSA application
The SSA also lets you check on the status of your application over the phone and in person, in case you do not have access to the Internet or would rather not:
- By phone: You can reach SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for the hearing impaired). This service is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (local time). Through this method, a representative will provide you with updates on the progress of your application.
- Visit a local office: For those who prefer personal attention, visiting a local SSA office is an option. At the office, you can speak directly with an agent who will review the status of your application and clarify any questions.
- Postal mail: Although less common, the SSA can also send application status information via postal mail. However, this option tends to take longer compared to the online and telephone alternatives.
You can use either of these ways, but calling is the fastest way to find out what is going on with your Social Security payment application.
Tips to speed up the Social Security application process
Along with checking to see where your application stands, here are some things you can do to speed up and ease the Social Security approval process:
- Make sure you send in all the necessary documentation: Often, applications are delayed due to missing documents. Check that your application is complete and attach all required documents before submitting it.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information: If the SSA needs more information, respond as soon as possible to avoid delays in the evaluation of your application.
- Regularly check the status of your application: Checking the status of your application onMy Social Security or by phone can help you spot any issues or requests for additional information, allowing you to resolve problems in a timely manner.
With these tools and tips, you can keep track of every step of the process and get your Social Security benefit as quickly as possible.
