Can someone tell me what the possible statuses there are on an application? I know how to look up the status of my app... but it doesn't mean much to me because I don't know exactly what their process is.

Losely, I think it's just hasn't been decided yet or "pending a decision" and decision made, but you have to wait for the letter to tell you what the decision is.

Unless they have changed the system since I was approved, applicants can't really get info on where in the decision making process things are with detailed stages, ie....

initial application recieved from applicant

letters sent out to all treating doctors asking for medical records
phone call evealuation done with applicant

still waiting for responses from doctors

still waiting some more for responses from doctors

we have all records from doctors (or got 2 out of 3 back and are proceeding anyhow, with no notice to you that your most important doctor never sent us the requested info) and are ready to review info

you might here from us now if we want you to see an independent medical examiner

we are still reviewing info

we made a decision, but it is going to an internal audit

decision is settled and getting typed up

we made a decision, but can't tell you over the phone, so please wait for your letter.

It would be great if they gave us that kind of breakdown, but that didn't happen when I was applying, and I haven't heard that it has changed. You also can't tell how long each of my hypothetical stages will take.

It is a frustrating time to just wait, feeling like your fate is in someone else's hands. We'll wait with you Keep us posted and feel free to vent !

I hope that one of our posters more knowledgable about SSA's policies can add some words of wisdom, especially regarding if there is a time limit on how long they can take with a decision (ie, if they HAVE to get back to you within 90 days or 180 days, etc)