Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is a complicated process that can be challenging to navigate. Once you’ve submitted your SSDI claim, there are several ways to check its status. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability lawyers in Staten Island can help you understand how the process works and advise you on ways to find out what’s going on with your SSDI claim.
Check Online
Most Social Security Disability claims are submitted online. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a convenient way to track your SSDI claim by providing an online portal called “my Social Security”.
To access your claim status online, you need to create a my Social Security account by visiting the SSA website. There are several steps involved. To create an account, you’ll need to enter personal information like your SSN and address and verify your identity. If you submitted your SSDI claim online you can check the status of your application by logging into your existing account.
Here, you can find information such as the date your SSDI claim was filed, current claim location, scheduled hearing dates and times, contact information for the SSA office handling your claim, and SSDI publications that can help you understand the current stage of your claim. You can also return to a saved application or continue where you left off on an appeal by entering the re-entry number you received when starting your Social Security Disability claim.
It’s important to check your online account regularly for updates, notifications, and requests from the SSA for additional information. If you’ve hired a Social Security Disability lawyer, they will periodically check on the status of your SSDI claim and promptly address any inquiries from the SSA.
Call the Social Security Administration
To inquire about your claim status by phone, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778, for the deaf or hard of hearing. Automated assistance is available 24/7. When asked “How can I help you today?” respond with “application status.” If you’d prefer to speak to a person, SSA representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
You can also contact your local SSA office in New York using the SSA Office Locator, where you’ll enter your ZIP code to find the office nearest to you. Make sure to have personal information like your Social Security number handy to verify your identity.
Visit Your Local SSA Office
If you prefer a face-to-face interaction, you can also use the SSA Office Locator to find the closest branch. Although walk-ins are accepted, scheduling an appointment can help you avoid long wait times. Make sure to bring a valid photo ID, your social security number, and any correspondence you’ve received from the SSA. Hours may vary at different locations, so call or check online before visiting without an appointment.
Contact the Disability Determination Services (DDS)
The Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a state agency that evaluates disability claims for the Social Security Administration. It plays a key role in determining whether applicants qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). DDS does not accept direct applications; all claims must first be filed through the SSA before being reviewed by the DDS.
If your application has been received by DDS, a claims examiner may contact you for clarification or additional information. If no one from DDS has contacted you and you want to check the status of your SSDI claim, you can call their toll-free numbers at 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.
Our local SSDI attorneys have longstanding relationships with SSA offices and DDS personnel who serve the greater New York City area. We maintain open communication and can check on where your application is in the process so you can focus on your health and well-being.
Understand the Application Process and Timelines
Being aware of typical processing times can help set expectations when you submit your SSDI claim. Decisions about initial applications are usually made within three to six months. If you receive an SSDI denial you can request reconsideration, which can take several more months. If your claim is denied again, you must request a hearing before an administrative law judge. It can take months to get a hearing date. Further actions like appealing to the SSA Board or filing a lawsuit in federal court can drag out the process for years.
However, it’s important to note that timelines vary based on the complexity of a case, the SSA’s workload, and whether someone is eligible for an expedited claims process. Our Social Security Disability attorneys can evaluate your case and determine whether you qualify for programs like the SSDI compassionate allowance and the SSA’s five-year rule.
How Our Staten Island SSDI Lawyers Can Help
We understand that navigating the SSDI claims process requires patience and tenacity. It can be easy to get discouraged when the process is delayed or your SSDI claim is denied. Over the past 30 years, our Staten Island Social Security Disability lawyers have built a solid reputation and a track record of success helping injured workers get SSDI and workers’ compensation benefits they need and deserve.
If you need assistance with your case, our Social Security Disability attorneys can help keep the process moving and give you the best chance of successfully obtaining SSDI benefits. Attorney and Partner Rolando Cubela proudly serves our Spanish-speaking clients in the greater NYC area.
Contact Our SSDI Attorneys in the Greater NYC Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, we’re dedicated to making the SSDI claims process as stress-free as possible. To learn more about how our Staten Island Social Security Disability lawyers can help, at 718-273-9000 or contact us to schedule a consultation today.
