What Should You Do After Applying for Disability Benefits?

Updated: July 30, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: June 4, 2025.

Filing for disability benefits can feel like the end of a long road, but it’s really just the beginning of another crucial phase. Once you’ve submitted your application, the waiting game begins, but staying passive can slow your progress. The period after filing is a window where thoughtful action, good documentation, and smart follow-ups can make a real difference in how smoothly things unfold.

Table of Contents

• Understand the Timeline (And Accept That It Varies)
• Check Your Case Status Regularly
• Gather and Organize Supporting Medical Evidence
• Stay in Communication With Your Doctors
• Reach Out to Advocacy Groups or Legal Professionals
• Document Any Changes in Your Health or Living Situation
• Join a Support Network While You Wait
• Don’t Wait Passively, Participate Actively

Let’s walk through what you should be doing after you hit submit, so you’re not stuck in limbo longer than necessary.

Understand the Timeline (And Accept That It Varies)

First, reset your expectations. Approval doesn’t happen overnight. Processing times vary.

Most applicants receive an initial decision within three to six months, but in reality, some wait even longer, especially if further evidence or clarification is required. If your case goes to reconsideration or appeals, you’re looking at potentially several more months, or even a year or two. 

So while you’re waiting, your mission is to make sure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. That starts with monitoring.

Check Your Case Status Regularly

Keeping tabs on your application is essential. You wouldn’t apply for a job and never follow up, so treat your disability claim with that same diligence. Staying aware of your file’s progress helps you catch missed communications or document requests that could stall your case.

To track your SSDI claim in New York, for example, applicants can use their Social Security online account or call their local field office to check the status. Knowing how to do this gives you peace of mind and a chance to act fast if something goes awry.

Gather and Organize Supporting Medical Evidence

Even after you’ve submitted your application, keep gathering documentation. 

Set up a system for storing:

• Medical reports and updates from specialists
• Prescriptions and treatment plans
• Hospital or clinic visit summaries
• Statements from physical therapists or mental health providers

Stay in Communication With Your Doctors

Sometimes, the Social Security Administration contacts your healthcare providers directly. But sometimes they don’t. Don’t assume your doctor is staying on top of the process for you.

Make sure your providers know you’ve applied and that you may need supporting documentation. Ask if they’d be willing to complete residual functional capacity forms if requested. If you have multiple doctors or specialists, assign one day a month to check in with their offices and ensure they’ve submitted everything needed.

Reach Out to Advocacy Groups or Legal Professionals

This is where expertise pays off. Navigating the SSDI or SSI maze without guidance can be exhausting. Many applicants turn to legal representatives or advocacy organizations. 

These groups understand how to decode bureaucratic language and push things forward when your application seems stalled.

Some even offer no-cost or contingency-based services, depending on your situation. Professional help becomes especially valuable if:

• You’ve been asked to appeal a denial
• You received a confusing request for information
• Your case is particularly complex due to multiple conditions

Document Any Changes in Your Health or Living Situation

If your condition worsens or you experience new symptoms after applying, update your file. Benefits are awarded based on your current level of disability and functional limitation. If that picture changes and you don’t share it, your claim is being judged on outdated information.

If your living circumstances shift, those updates should be reported immediately. The SSA needs to be able to reach you, and they base part of your eligibility on your current economic condition.

Join a Support Network While You Wait

Waiting for approval can feel isolating and frustrating. Community-based support can offer encouragement and practical advice.

Look for spaces where people share their real-time experiences navigating SSDI or SSI. In these groups, you’ll often find tips on preparing for medical exams, avoiding documentation slip-ups, or just surviving the stress of a long wait.

You might also find recommendations for local case managers, medical experts familiar with disability evaluations, or clinics offering low-cost treatments while you await approval. 

Don’t Wait Passively, Participate Actively

The post-application phase is more than just waiting. The more organized and engaged you are, the better your odds of a smoother and possibly faster path to benefits.