Checking Your Social Security Status
You can check your Social Security benefits status using the Social Security website. It helps millions of Americans to live a comfortable and safe life. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides Social Security benefits to eligible citizens to improve their day-to-day lives.
SSA benefits are essential for millions of Social Security recipients. For instance, a person who is injured can get Social Security disability benefits for daily expenses while recovering. SSA is beneficial because the injured person cannot work as they recover.
However, people have many doubts about applying for Social Security. At times, it can take significantly longer for an application to be processed. We often wonder how to check our Social Security status in such instances.
Checking Social Security status is easy enough, thanks to the efficient SSA online portal.
3 Ways to Check Social Security Status
There are several different ways to check your Social Security status. Let’s have a look at some of the efficient methods to check Social Security status:
3 Ways to Check Social Security Status
1 – Enroll Online at SSA Website
The best and easiest way to check your Social Security status is by registering at the SSA website (www.ssa.gov ).
First, visit the website, create your account, and follow the steps and become a member. Save your login details to access your SSA profile later using the website.
Next, you need to log in to the SSA website and follow these steps to find the Social Security status:
- Click on “Your Benefits Application.”
- Click on the “More Info” button.
- Select the “View Details” option.
- Click on the “Current Status” icon.
This allows you to check the details of your Social Security application status. You can find the date your application was submitted and the name of the office processing it. Additionally, you can check for any date or time for hearings that may have been arranged and the current status of your application.
This process allows you to get benefit estimates and view personal, banking, and contact information. If you move, it also allows you to change your address, contact details, and bank details.
2 – Local SSA Office
You may not have access to a computer with an internet connection or be unable to check your Social Security status online. In such a situation, you can check your Social Security status by visiting your local SSA office.
Ensure you carry your Social Security number and application details when visiting the SSA office to find your Social Security application status.
You can find the nearest SSA office using the official search portal here https://www.ssa.gov/locator/.
3 – Call the SSA Hotline
If, for some reason, you cannot visit the local SSA office to check your Social Security status, then you can also call the helpline number at 1-800-772-1213. This helpline is active from 7 AM to 7 PM (EST), Monday through Friday.
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Before calling the number, have your Social Security number and application information handy.
Duration of Social Security Application Process
Another big question that comes to an applicant’s mind is how long it takes for a Social Security application to get processed.
Here are the average durations for processing and approval of the different types of Social Security benefits:
Processing times for Social Security benefits can vary widely based on individual circumstances and current administrative workload
- Disability benefits – 3 to 5 months
- Retirement benefits – 6 weeks
- Survivors benefit – 2 to 3 months
It’s accurate that inaccuracies in your application or missing documentation can lead to delays in processing. It’s essential to carefully review your application for accuracy and completeness before submission to help ensure a smoother processing experience.
SSA offices have also been facing issues of understaffing and overwork, which causes indeterminate delays in processing Social Security applications. The efficiency of processing Social Security applications can be affected by various factors, including funding, staffing levels, and the volume of applications being processed. While budgetary constraints can impact service levels, the Social Security Administration continuously strives to improve processing times and service quality through various measures.
Here are some other reasons that may delay your Social Security application from being approved in the average time:
- Determining disability – This is a complex and significantly longer process for obvious reasons.
- Verifying work history – This process is also difficult and complicated.
- Checking medical evidence – This process may get prolonged with difficult-to-get or incomplete medical evidence.
- Incomplete application – Missing essential information or inaccurate details in the application form.
Conclusion
You can easily check your Social Security status on the SSA website, visit your local SSA office, or call the SSA hotline. Logging in to the SSA website is probably the most efficient way to find detailed information on your Social Security account status and benefits.
See Also
Financial Help for Seniors on Social Security
What is Social Security Disability
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