How do I check that status of my Social Security disability case?
Social Security takes a long time to process disability benefit cases. Here is how to check the status of your claim.
Initial applications for disability benefits:
Social Security has a webpage at http://ssa.gov/claimstatus/ which lets you check your status. Unfortunately, you will probably receive this message:
The following statements are informational only. They are current as of today. You will receive the official notice of any decision made on your claim by U.S. mail. As of today’s date, a decision has not been made on your application. If you need more information, you may call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). SSA representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other than confirming that there is a claim pending, this doesn’t tell you very much. Fortunately, you can get more information by calling Social Security directly.
Social Security offices cutting hours
Social Security offices are cutting the number of hours they are open to the public by 30 minutes each day. This is part of a nationwide program reduction caused by budget cuts (including cuts to 1,600 jobs at Social Security nationwide).
As of August 15, 2011, the Colorado Springs Social Security office will be open to the public from 9am to 3:30pm.
Social Security is encourage use of the Social Security website for most tasks. However, if you need to speak to a Social Security employee in person, get there early folks!
Source: Colorado Springs Gazette
Getting problems solved at Social Security
I was recently asked how to take care of bad information in a Social Security file which was preventing the release of back Social Security disability benefits.
Of course the first issue is whether there is a deadline that may affect the individual’s rights. If there is, then the suggestions below may go out the window. You always have to first preserve your legal rights. There are often time limits and deadlines in Social Security cases. If you miss a deadline, your entire case may go away or at a minimun, you may lose some of your rights.
Put another way: these are tips on working with Social Security to get general problems solved
Tips when going to the Social Security Administration office
I hear a lot of horror stories about going to the Social Security office.
If you need to go to the Social Security office to get a replacement card, change your name, or try to straighten something out with SSA, here are a few tips:
Social Security “aged” case numbers drop in 2007
The number of “aged” cases – cases pending for more than 900 (!) days dropped in 2007 from 63,700 to 108 during fiscal year 2007.
Fortunately, I do not see too many cases in Colorado that have been waiting more than two and half years for a hearing. Unfortunately, I still see the average wait time for hearings hover at about 12-14 months (occasionally faster, occasionally slower).
That is, 12-14 months after the initial appeal is filed. So, if you add the initial 4-6 months for the initial decision, 2-3 months for the hearing decision and …
