Unfortunately, for most applicants, the Social Security Disability (SSDI) process can take a very long time. At Qualify LLC | Disability Lawyers, we try our best to make the process as smooth as possible – that’s why we advocate for getting a lawyer to take over this headache before you file your Initial Application for Disability Benefits.
The length of the application process depends on many variables: the severity of your disabling conditions, how complete your application is, your geographic location, whether your medical records file is complete, etc…
Most SSDI claims track the following timeline:
Initial Application (3-6 months)
The Social Security Disability application process begins when an application is received by an applicant’s local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office. The field office is responsible for verifying the non-medical eligibility requirements, which include whether or not you are “insured” and have sufficient work credits to apply for Social Security Disability. Once the field office has processed your claim, it is sent to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. DDS is a state agency that develops the medical evidence and determines whether or not you are medically disabled pursuant to SSA’s regulations.
At any point along the initial application phase, medical providers may be slow to respond to medical record requests, which can delay the process.
Only about 35-40% of applicants are approved during the Initial Application phase – we believe it is vital to hire a lawyer before you file your Initial Application. That way, we have complete and full picture of your medical records to send along to SSA along with your application.
Request for Reconsideration (additional 3-6 months)
If your initial application was denied, you have 60 days from the date at the top of your denial letter to file an appeal for what is called “reconsideration.” Reconsideration is the same process as your Initial Application process, however a completely different DDS examiner will re-review your claim and your application. Because most Reconsiderations are based on the exact same medical evidence as the Initial Application, and because most DDS examiners use the exact same process and regulations to make their determinations – a very high percentage of Reconsideration requests are denied as well.
Appeals Hearing (additional 6-12 months)
If your request for reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days from the dated denial to request an appeals hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Depending on your state of residence, it can take an additional year, or more, to actually get a hearing date in front of an ALJ. During that time period, presumably, you continue to be not working and treating your underlying health conditions. So, when your hearing date arrives, your file contains nearly two years of consistent treatment and consistent medical evidence that you are unable to work.
About half of all hearing-level appeals are granted – so it is absolutely critical to be completely prepared with the help of your attorney for that SSDI appeal date.
Should I Hire a Disability Lawyer to Help Me Navigate the Process?
Yes. While the application timeline for SSDI benefits is basically the same throughout the United States, each state may have small variations to the process. Hiring a Disability Attorney will ensure that you are following each step, as well as avoiding missing any critical deadlines. Find out if you qualify.