How long do Social Security Disability Claims Take to Process?

How long do Social Security Disability Claims Take to Process

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Social Security Disability Insurance is different from both Supplement Security Income and plain old Social Security. SSDI is a government program that provides financial benefits to people who are physically or mentally disabled and cannot work for a certain amount of time (at least 12 months) or for the rest of their lives. SSDI is a complex process that involves a great deal of paperwork with strict deadlines. If one mistake is made on a form or a deadline is missed, you are likely to be denied benefits. In fact, many people are denied benefits on their first, second and third application. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced SSDI attorney to assist you in the filing process.

While it is impossible to tell you exactly how long an SSDI claim will take, your attorney will be able to give you an idea of how long your claim is likely to take and how much you can expect in benefits. In the meantime, here is a look at the basic SSDI claim process.

A Social Security Disability claim may take 3 to 5 months to be decided. In some cases, the decision process may take longer if there are a considerable number of questions regarding your disability.

You begin the disability process by filing an initial disability claim with the Social Security Administration. Once the initial disability claim is taken, it is sent to the state disability agency for a medical determination. Generally, your initial disability claim takes anywhere from 30 to 90 days to be examined and decided. Although most initial claims take 90 days or less, some take longer depending upon availability of medical evidence, need for further consultative examinations, and so on.

If your claim is denied, you can contact Social Security to file an appeal known as "reconsideration." It is easier to have an SSDI lawyer handle your appeals, so that you never miss your deadlines. All Social Security appeals have a 65 day appeal period, and if you miss this deadline, you may have to begin your disability claim again. Reconsideration appeals are sent to a different state agency disability examiner for review.

The next appeal level is where you are most likely to "win" disability benefits if your claim was denied initially. If your reconsideration appeal is denied, you can appeal the decision by filing a request for hearing before a judge who has more leeway in making medical decisions than state agency disability examiners.

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