I was just interacting with one of our Social Security clients who received a favorable decision two years after he started his initial application. He was happy and relieved to finally get this good news. This made me think about a question that we receive from a lot of our clients. They often ask me: “How long does a Social Security claim take?”
Most often the answer to the question above is simply “a long time.” While that short answer is true, it is not very helpful. It is also important to remember that no two claims are the same. Some people get approved after their initial decision; others take many more months or even years than the average. The following timeline is based off our years of experience in handling hundreds of Social Security disability claims. It can be a very helpful tool for anyone going through the Social Security process.
Once you have applied, the entire process can take up to two years or even longer. Here’s how the process works:
Initial Application: Once you’ve submitted your initial application with all the appropriate paperwork, the SSA will contact your doctors, request your medical records, and get additional information about your medical abilities. It typically takes 6-9 months, and even up to 12 months in some cases, for the SSA to process your initial claim and issue a decision. The great majority of initial claims are denied.
If the SSA orders a consultative medical examination, you should receive a decision around a month after the CE has taken place. However, some people may have to wait to hear back for up to 3 months after their exam. In the alternative, the SSA may order additional medical testing, which may add another few months to the review process.
First Appeal: You then have 60 days to appeal the decision by filing a Request for Reconsideration.
Reconsideration Process: The reconsideration process takes on average another 6-9 months. About 80%-90% of all claims are denied again at this point.
Second Appeal: You have another 60 days to appeal this decision by filing a Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
ALJ Hearing: On average it takes approximately 10-12 months from the date the Request for Hearing is filed to have a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
So, if your claim is denied at the first two levels as most claims are, it can take two years or longer to gain approval.
Another question I am often asked is: “How long will it take for SSA to pay me?”
In general, it takes a few days to a few months for back benefits to be paid and monthly benefits to begin in a social security disability case in which no SSI application was ever filed. (When there is SSI involved it takes considerably longer.) But these are only general rules. In some cases, it takes as long as 3 months for back benefits to be paid. When it takes more than 90 days for back benefits to be paid in a social security disability case, it may mean that there has been a bureaucratic mix-up somewhere in the system.
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