How to Check the Claim Status for SSI

SSI is a benefits program administered by the Social Security Administration

Supplemental Security Income is a federal benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration. This means-tested program provides monthly benefits to those who are unable to work due to a disability, have limited resources and income and do not have sufficient work credits to qualify for Social Security disability. There is no minimum age limit imposed to receive benefits. Even children may qualify for SSI benefits. The claim procedure is similar to that for disability. Claimants seeking the status of their application have several different methods available to them.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone or Internet connection

Instructions

How to Check the Status of an SSI Claim

1. Call Social Security's toll-free help line at 1-800-772-1213. With your Social Security number, a representative should be able to look up your claim and determine its current status. In most cases, however, he will only be able to tell you that your claim is pending, in other words, that no decision has yet been reached.

2. Visit your local Social Security office. If you are not sure where it is, there is a search function on the Social Security Administration's home page, ssa.gov, that allows you to find the address of this office by using your ZIP code. Once you're in the office, you can speak to a customer service rep to find out the status of your claim.

3. Go online at ssa.gov and find the link in the left-hand column that allows you to "Check the Status of Your Application." You will be directed to another page, where you will have to enter your Social Security number and your application number which you should have received when you originally filed. You will then be directed to another form where you will have to fill in more information. The system will find your claim and provide an update on the status.

4. Call the Disability Determination Service where your claim is being handled. You can get this number by calling your local Social Security office or a help line directory for your state's public agencies. The DDS adjustor who is examining the claim is the best person to give you details on the status of the claim, on any further forms or medical records that are needed, on any medical appointments that you will have to attend and on forms that you may still have to submit.

Tips & Warnings

• When dealing with Social Security, be polite but persistent in your requests for information.

• Always fill out requested forms, such as a Work History Report or Function Report, promptly. This greatly speeds up the processing time for SSI claims.

• Obtain Residual Functional Capacity forms from your doctor and submit them to Social Security promptly, to increase your chances for an approval.

• Don't write to Social Security unless you are prepared to wait several weeks for a reply. Telephone and in-person contact is faster.

• Don't contact Social Security directly if you are represented by an attorney. Allow the lawyer to do her job and deal with the agency via phone and letter.

References

• Social Security Online
• Social Security Disability Claims