BALTIMORE – People pursuing Social Security disability claims and appeals can now submit more forms online. They can also track cases and obtain hearing-related notices through expanded federal services.

The Social Security Administration announced the changes as part of an expansion of its digital services. The agency said the new tools should give applicants better access to case information. They may also reduce delays caused by mailing documents or contacting hearing offices.

Through a personal “my Social Security” account, claimants may now complete and submit three disability-adjudication forms:

• Form HA-4631, which provides information about recent medical treatment
• Form HA-4632, which lists medications
• Form HA-4633, which documents a claimant’s work background

Electronic submission allows adjudicators to receive the information more quickly. However, claimants should keep copies of anything they submit.

Expanded Claim Tracking

The agency also expanded its Claim Status Tracker for disability cases at the hearings and appeals levels.

Claimants can confirm that a hearing office received a request. They can also follow the case as officials review information and prepare for a hearing.

The tracker shows when officials issue a hearing decision. It also allows claimants to monitor an Appeals Council request for review.

In addition, the tracker provides estimated processing times and identifies important milestones. Social Security cautions that those times remain estimates. Case length can vary based on complexity and the type of application or appeal.

People without an online account may check an application or appeal by telephone through Social Security’s automated system at 800-772-1213. The automated status service operates 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.

More Notices Available Online

Claimants can now obtain electronic copies of 26 additional hearing-related notices through the account’s secure Message Center.

The notices cover hearings, postponements, and continued hearings. They also include hearing reminders, late-filing requests, evidence deadlines, representative fee agreements, representation matters, and case closures.

Claimants may also access proffer letters electronically. Social Security issues a proffer letter when new evidence enters a case after a hearing. The letter gives the claimant an opportunity to review and respond before officials make a decision.

Users may choose email or text notifications when new documents become available. Social Security will continue mailing paper notices to claimants and their appointed representatives. As a result, users do not have to rely only on electronic delivery.

Appeal Deadlines Still Apply

Online notices and case-status information do not change the deadline for challenging an unfavorable decision.

Under Social Security’s appeals procedures, claimants generally have 60 days after receiving a decision to request the next level of review.

Social Security normally assumes a claimant received the notice five days after mailing. A claimant may establish a later receipt date when appropriate.

Missing the appeal deadline can lead to dismissal. However, Social Security may allow a late filing if the claimant shows a valid reason.

The changes could prove especially useful in Alabama, where many residents receive federal disability benefits.

The agency’s 2026 statistical report counted 211,938 disabled Social Security beneficiaries in Alabama in December 2025. That total included 179,658 disabled workers.

Account Security Urged

Creating an account requires identity verification through Login.gov or ID.me. Social Security recommends Login.gov for most users inside the United States. People may use either service to access an existing account.

Social Security recipients frequently face impersonation scams. The agency urges users to make sure they are visiting the official government website.

The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General recommends typing ssa.gov/myaccount directly into a browser. Users should avoid unsolicited links or attachments that claim to contain Social Security documents.

Social Security and its inspector general will not demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or benefit suspension. They also will not request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or similar methods.

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