How to get status updates on a Disability claim for Benefits

If you've applied for disability benefits, either SSI or SSD (social security disability), you will probably wonder at some point what the status of your case is. This is quite natural since disability claims can take an extraordinarily long time before a decision is reached, and, typically, the social security administration will do very little to keep you updated and apprised of the status of your SSD or SSI disability claim.

How do you get status updates on your pending social security case? Most individuals would conclude that they should contact the social security office where their case began to get the status on a case and others might it best to call the social security administration's toll free number for case updates.

Regarding the SSA toll free number, most disability applicants should be advised NOT to call this number. True, you will probably find it relatively to get touch with a "warm body", but the call center reps at the toll free line so frequently give out incorrect and misleading information that the convenience of this service is hardly worth the danger of being led down the wrong trail. Regarding status calls to the actual social security office, this is an option that will generally result in correct information; however, since social security field offices do not actually process medical evaluations for SSI and SSD disability cases, the information itself may be lacking.

Here are some general rules for who to call if you need status updates on a disability claim, either for SSI or social security disability. If the case is pending at either the intial claim or reconsideration level, call Disability Determination Services and try to speak with the Specialist/Examiner who is actually working on the case (the number for disability determination services--sometimes known as the bureau of disability determination in some states--can usually be obtained from the SSA field office where you filed your paperwork). If your case is pending at the Office of hearings and appeals (in other words, if you filed a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge), then you should call that office (again, you should be able to obtain this number from an SSA field office).

Of course, if your claim for benefits is being represented by a social security lawyer, you should always have the office of your attorney handled requests for status. By allowing your disability lawyer to get progress updates on your case, you can insure that your representative stays full updated and further insure that the right questions are being asked of the right people.