How Long Will Your SSDI Claim Take?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program provided by the federal government. It is intended to provide monthly income to individuals with severe, long-term disabilities who can no longer work. If you’re applying for SSDI, you most likely need the funds it will provide as soon as possible. Unfortunately, as with many government programs, an SSDI claim can easily turn into a long, drawn-out process. Let’s take a look at exactly how long you can expect your SSDI claim to take.

The Average Timeline

Provided here are the different parts of the SSDI claim process. It should be noted that the duration provided for each is an average, and is subject to change based on the details of your specific claim.

Initial Application

The initial application process takes 3-6 months. After you provide your application, it is reviewed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure it is complete and error-free. After review, your file will be sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS reviews your medical evidence to make an initial decision on your eligibility. Usually, as part of this review, they will order records from your doctors and may even order you to undergo a consultative exam.

This part of the process can be delayed due to missing medical records, incomplete forms, high caseloads at DDS, or waiting on doctors to submit documentation. Fortunately, if your application is accepted, this is where your claim ends and you will begin receiving benefits. If it is denied, then your journey is just getting started.

Reconsideration Appeal

If your claim is denied, you are allowed to request reconsideration. This usually takes 3-6 months, and you must file for reconsideration within 60 days of your denial. Reconsideration just means that your application will be reviewed again, but by a different examiner, not involved in the initial denial. Be aware, reconsideration rarely results in a different outcome. You will most likely get another denial.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing

If reconsideration fails, you can request a hearing. This hearing is overseen by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You are allowed to provide new evidence and have witnesses testify. Unfortunately, this part of the process usually takes 8-15 months. This is because you must wait for a hearing date to be assigned, which can take months. Even after the trial, you will have to wait weeks to months for the decision. Luckily, you are more likely to be approved for SSDI at this stage.

Appeals Council and Federal Court

If you are denied at the ALJ hearing, you are not out of options. First, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council, which checks for errors in the ALJ’s decision. In most cases, the Appeals Council will uphold the ALJ’s decision. After this, your only option is to file a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court. This can take months or even years. However, it is worth it if you are truly in need of the income provided by SSDI.

Factors That Affect How Long an SSDI Claim Takes

Some cases will be resolved in a much more timely manner than others. This is because certain factors affect how quickly your claim moves through the system. Such factors include:

• Strength of Medical Evidence: Cases with a large amount of well-documented evidence tend to move along more efficiently.

• Severity of Condition: Some cases qualify for expedited processing (Compassionate Allowances).

• State Backlogs and Hearing Office Delays: The more cases the SSA is dealing with in your region, the longer the process will take.

With these factors in mind, know that you will have to be patient throughout the SSDI claim process.

How to Avoid Delays

While you can’t speed up the SSDI claim process, you can avoid delays. First, ensure your application and any subsequent paperwork is filled out correctly. Second, whenever the SSA communicates with you, be sure to respond as quickly as possible. The best way to do both of these things is to hire an SSDI attorney. Not only will they guide you through the process, but they will ensure that everything in your case is done correctly, ensuring it moves through the system as quickly as possible.