Most Social Security Disability Claimants Don’t Know About the New Online Tracking Tool - Here’s What It Does

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, approximately 7.3 million people received disabled-worker benefits from Social Security in April 2024, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that more than 75 million people receive Social Security benefits, including senior benefits. As Social Security moves forward with enhanced technology options, new self-service tools are available for people handling a disability claim or appeal.

Here are some of the newest tools available to help you do everything from tracking your case to submitting required documentation.

The recent enhancements to my Social Security

The SSA has announced new enhancements to my Social Security, a secure online portal that gives individuals access to information and tools. The account is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

According to the SSA, the enhancements include expanded self-service options and notices available for individuals who are navigating the disability claims and appeals process. "The new tools provide you with greater visibility, faster access to information, and more efficient case processing throughout the lifecycle of a disability claim," reads the SSA website.

The enhancements mark a shift from waiting on the phone on hold or repeatedly checking the mailbox to being able to track a disability case online in real time.

Option to submit disability adjudication forms online

Users now have the option to complete and submit disability adjudication forms directly through their my Social Security accounts. The option includes forms for recent medical treatments, medical information, and work background details.

Submitting the forms online may help adjudicators receive the information, potentially allowing for more efficient processing, states the SSA.

Online claim status tracking

The enhancements also allow applicants to review the status of a pending disability claim, appeal, or recently adjudicated claim. Users may monitor their case status at the hearings and appeals levels using the Claim Status Tracker.

The tool provides updates in real time, estimates of case processing times, and key milestones. It also notifies the applicant when an office receives a Request for Hearing, provides status updates as the office prepares the case, and issues status updates when a hearing decision is issued. Additionally, individuals may receive status updates, receipt of review requests, and completion of actions notifications for Appeals Request for Review cases.

Access to proffer letters

The Social Security Message Center provides users with secure access to proffer letters. These letters are notices that are sent if new evidence is added to a case after a hearing. After receiving a letter, applicants may review and respond to the information before any decision is made.

Access to additional Social Security notices

The enhancements also allow users to view electronic copies of 26 additional hearing-related notices through the Message Center. Those digital notices include Notice of Hearing, Request for Good Cause for Late Filing, and Postponement of Hearing notices, and more.

Though the SSA plans to continue to mail paper notices, users may choose to receive email or text notifications when new documents are available. The digital notices may help speed up case processing and communication.

The statistics on SSDI claims and appeals

About 64% of initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are denied. According to data from Allsup, a provider of SSDI representation, approximately six out of 10 applicants whose applications are denied don't file an appeal.

That could be a missed opportunity. "An initial denial is a common part of the SSDI process," explained T.J. Geist, principal advocate at Allsup. "Many claims get approved on appeal. Too often, people give up before reaching those stages, and that can mean months or even years of lost disability benefits."

Applicants often have 60 days to file an appeal after receiving their denial notice, and being able to track the appeal online may help simplify the process.

The SSA's move to enhanced technology

The enhancements to the my Social Security online features for SSDI applicants reflect the SSA's commitment to implementing new technology. Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano stated his commitment to modernizing the SSA's customer service in July 2025.

"Our vision is centered on providing outstanding service that works for everyone we serve—whether they call, walk into a field office, or choose to manage their benefits online," said Commissioner Bisignano. "We are transforming the customer experience, investing in technology to build frontline capacity, and using real-time data to monitor performance across the board. We are delivering higher levels of customer service—and this will continue."

Other enhancements include the use of new telephone technology on the SSA's national 800 number and in field offices, as well as the elimination of scheduled downtime of 29 hours a week for my Social Security.

Bottom line

The new Social Security features provide SSDI with additional capabilities and ways to access important information about their claims. If you haven't done so already, you may set up a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.

The features may help speed up everything from the submission of documents to the overall claims processing time, so you might be able to receive your benefits sooner. That could be a very important financial lifeline if you're living on just Social Security, plus the account may give you peace of mind by keeping you updated on your claim.

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