How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision About Social Security Disability?

November 17, 2022 | Social Security Disability

How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision About Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lifeline for millions of Americans. Unfortunately, the process of receiving approval and subsequent disability payments can be time-consuming and challenging. 

Delays in receiving approvals aren’t only common, but many times, they’re expected. However, with the help of a Social Security Disability Insurance attorney, you can potentially decrease the time it takes to get the resources you need. 

The Time It Takes to Apply for SSDI

Before you can collect SSDI, you have to apply and demonstrate that you are eligible. This process alone can take a while, most notably due to errors made while filling out SSDI paperwork. 

Mistakes on the forms can add months or longer to the time it takes a representative of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to process your claim. Missing documents, such as medical records, also lengthen the time it takes for them to come to a decision on your claim.

According to the SSA, they aim to process claims within three to five months. However, it’s not uncommon for an SSDI application to require more than six months. Remember, the time it takes for you to get a decision includes how long it takes the SSA to process your application as well as the time it takes you to fill out your application.

How Long It Takes to Receive SSDI Payments After Approval

Your appointed SSA representative will notify you once they reach a decision on your case. If your application is denied, don’t worry. With the aid of an SSDI attorney, you can appeal the decision.

If your application is approved, you can reasonably expect to begin receiving payments within one to two months of your decision date. Keep in mind, however, that there’s no rule or law that requires payments to arrive within this time frame. They may come later or immediately after you get approved.

How to Speed Up the SSDI Decision Process

There are a few things you can do to help shorten the time it takes for your SSA representative to make a decision in your case. 

Perfect Paperwork

Filling out your paperwork correctly is essential for a swiftly processed claim. SSDI lawyers are worth their weight in gold when it comes to filing the proper paperwork. If you have any questions about your SSDI application, contact an attorney to help you avoid the delays flawed paperwork can cause. 

Relevant Medical Records

You must prove to the SSA that you’re suffering from a qualifying disability. To do that, make your complete medical records of treatment or evaluation of your disability available to the SSA. Without a comprehensive medical report of your disability, your claim will be delayed or denied. 

Online Application and Disability Report

You can significantly cut down on the time it takes to process your application by starting it online. 

As you may or may not know, individuals applying for SSDI must attend an interview at their local SSA office. This SSA interview is mandatory. However, when you start your application online, the SSA representative handling your case will be able to get a head start on processing your case, and the process may go more smoothly overall.

In most cases, applicants face SSDI application decision delays due to faulty paperwork and missing documents. These delays can lead to losses and hardships, which makes hiring an SSDI attorney a good decision for anyone who needs their SSDI application approved in a timely manner.

If you need help with your application, contact an experienced SSDI attorney. Marzacco Niven & Associates offers free consultations.

If you’ve been injured in a social security disability, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

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