When you rely on disability benefits, it can feel like your entire life is on hold while you’re waiting to find out if you are approved or not. When our team at Wettermark Keith is taking on a disability case, the #1 question we get asked by our clients is “how long does it take to get disability?”
The official line form the Social Security Administration is that disability applications will be processed in 6-8 months.
The real answer, though? It’s not so simple.
Applying for disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may look straightforward on paper. However, there are all sorts of factors that can affect the timeline, including:
- The time of year you apply
- Staffing at the social security offices
- The details of your individual case
But, we don’t want you to feel anxious as you wait! That’s why we’ve put together an article that contains all of the facts you need to know and the details you’ve been looking for, in order to keep you and your application on track.
Why Apply For Disability?
If you’re stumbling upon this page, you may already be waiting to hear back from the SSDI. Or, perhaps you’re in the early stages of considering applying for disability yourself! Wherever you are in your personal journey, there are some distinct benefits to applying for disability benefits, including:
- Peace of Mind – If you’ve become injured, or are not able to work, money quickly becomes a constant worry. Disability benefits allow you to have room to breathe, and explore healing options without the stress of needing a paycheck.
- Access To Health Care – In 2023, it was estimated that around 25 million people in the United States were living without health insurance. If you are unable to work and receive healthcare through your workplace, the chances are that you are one of the 25 million people. And, unfortunately, for those living with a disability, it can be the start of a vicious circle. Without healthcare, it can be hard to treat the issues that prevent you from working in the first place! With SSDI benefits, you can have access to affordable health insurance, allowing you to get the care that you need.
- Protecting Your Retirement Benefits – Under SSDI, you may be eligible for something called a “retirement freeze.” The SSA calculates your retirement benefits based on your reported earnings throughout your working years. Typically, any years you’re unable to work due to a disability are recorded as having $0 in earnings, which can lower your future retirement benefits. However, if you’re approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), those zero-earning years are excluded from the calculation—potentially increasing the amount you receive in retirement.
How Long Does it Take to Get Disability? Breaking Down The Timeline
So, you’ve applied for disability, and now have one question that is top of mind. How long will you have to wait for an answer?
Let’s break down the different factors to keep in mind.
General Wait Times
After you submit your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it typically takes about 6 to 8 months to receive a decision. This waiting period allows the Social Security Administration (SSA) time to review your medical records, work history, and other supporting documents to determine whether you meet the qualifications for disability benefits. While some cases may move faster or slower depending on the complexity of your condition or the availability of medical evidence, it’s important to be prepared for a months-long process. Staying in contact with the SSA and responding promptly to any requests can help prevent delays.
What Happens After I’ve Been Approved?
Once your SSDI application is approved, you can generally expect to receive your first disability payment within 30 to 60 days. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you an official award letter detailing your benefit amount and the date your payments will begin. SSDI benefits include back pay, which covers the months between your established disability onset date and your approval date. This is typically paid as a lump sum.
Ongoing monthly payments are usually deposited directly into your bank account. Keep in mind that there’s a five-month waiting period from the onset of your disability before payments begin, which the SSA automatically accounts for when calculating your back pay and start date.
Navigating Denied Disability Claims
After waiting for a long period of time, receiving a denial for your disability application can feel like a punch to the gut. Many people assume that it’s the end of the road, and they need to seek alternative sources of support.
But you have a variety of options and next steps available to you, should you pursue them. The fact of the matter is that only around 20% of initial applications get approved. This can be due to:
- Incorrect filing of paperwork
- Missing information and documentation
- Not enough evidence (i.e. doctor’s reports)
So, if your claim is denied, it’s not time to abandon hope! Instead, follow these steps to get the support that you deserve.
1) File for SSI or SSDI Reconsideration
If you’ve recently been denied, time is of the essence! You have 60 days, from the time you receive your notice to file for a reconsideration.
The easiest way to do this is by going online, and requesting a reconsideration through your account on the SSA’s website. Keep in mind that this will increase your wait time. Online requests typically have a waitlist of a couple months.
2) File Appeal
If the reconsideration process still does not give you the results you are looking for, you can go through the appeals process, which gives you a chance to have your case reviewed again. If you’re denied again, you can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge, where you can explain your situation in more detail. Many people are denied at first but later win their case through the appeal process, especially with the help of a disability attorney.
In terms of timeline, expect the wait time to be extended. Currently, the SSA is quoting wait times of around one year for a hearing.
3) ALJ Hearing
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing is a key step in the Social Security disability appeal process. If your application has been denied at both the initial and reconsideration stages, you can request a hearing in front of an ALJ.
During this hearing, you’ll have the chance to explain your case in person (or by phone or video), present new medical evidence, and answer questions about how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. The judge may also ask a vocational expert to testify about your ability to hold a job. It’s your opportunity to make your case directly, and many applicants are approved for benefits at this stage. That being said, we highly recommend having a qualified disability attorney by your side, to help you navigate the process efficiently and effectively.
Prepare to wait 6-12 months for your ALJ Hearing.
4) Federal Court Review
While it’s rare, occasionally the other steps just don’t work. At that point, your case would be sent for Federal court review. At this stage, the court generally does not re-examine all evidence or hold a new hearing; instead, a judge reviews the record from the SSA proceedings to determine whether the decision was legally correct and supported by substantial evidence.
The process can be slow. Typically, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to receive a ruling, depending on the court’s caseload and the complexity of your case. In some situations, it may take longer if the court requests additional documentation or if the case is particularly complex.
Factors That Determine Wait Times
When your priority is getting your disability benefits, you want answers on timelines, and you want them now. We get it, and we want to make sure that your expectations match the reality of the situation. And the reality is that there is no exact number.
Your application timeline can vary due to a variety of factors in and out of your control, including:
- Quality of Application – The SSA attempts to make their application forms as clear as possible. Despite this, the most common cause of a denied claim is incorrect or incomplete forms. Many times, our client can be approved with a few tweaks and revisions from our experienced team. If you’re looking for a fast response from SSA and SSDI, be sure to take extra care with the quality of your application.
- Medical Evidence – Your medical records and evidence are the best way to demonstrate your need for disability benefits. If you want to get approved quickly, be sure to be thorough with the documentation you are submitting with your application.
- Legal Representation – Experts are experts for a reason. They know how systems work, and how to get you the results you are looking for. That’s certainly true when it comes to managing the disability appeals process. A skilled disability lawyer is more likely to expedite the process, by offering you accurate application guidelines, submitting the proper evidence, and more.
- SSA Staffing – Behind the online application is a real SSA employee, reviewing your specific case and making decisions. So, it stands to reason that when the SSA is understaffed, wait times are longer.
- Quantity of Applications – Similar to staffing, seasonal surges in application numbers can create longer wait times for the application process.
As you can see, there’s no magic formula for a quick response. The best you can do is to follow the process, step by step, and have patience.
The Best Way to Secure Your SSI and SSDI Benefits
At Wettermark Keith, we believe that everyone has a right to fair support. If you’re living with a disability, we want to help you thrive within the constraints of the SSA’s system.
We work closely with each of our clients to refine their applications after denial, guiding them through the claims process with our signature expertise and attention to detail. Our clients have an overwhelming track record of success after going through the claims denial process with us.
If your disability claim has been wrongfully denied, it’s not time to give up. It’s time to get smart, and get the best legal help possible from Wettermark Keith. Reach out to our team today to set up your no-obligation free consultation with our team of disability attorneys.
