Once you've filed for Social Security benefits, checking where your application stands doesn't require calling and waiting on hold — the fastest option is your online my Social Security account, which shows real-time status information whenever you log in. * To check status this way, sign in to or create a personal account, scroll to the "Your Benefit Application" section, and select "View Details." If you don't have an account yet, setting one up takes less than 10 minutes and just requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address to verify your identity. * The status page shows more than just "pending" or "approved" — it includes the date you originally filed, your current claim's processing location, which office is servicing your case, and if your case has reached the hearing stage of an appeal, the scheduled hearing date and time. * If you'd rather not use the online portal, or you're having trouble accessing your account, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, and a representative can look up your status directly. * Visiting a local Social Security office in person is also an option if phone wait times are long or your situation is complicated enough that you'd rather talk to someone face to face — just check your local office's hours before making the trip, since not every office keeps the same schedule.