Mark was devastated by his liver cancer diagnosis. The treatments were hard on him, his family – and his ability to earn a living. As he explored options for disability benefits, he wondered how long a disability claim could take from start to finish.
Getting Started
Applications are usually approved or denied 30 to 90 days after the application was submitted. Some cases are expedited:
- Terminal Illness (TERI) – applicants with a terminal illness.
- Compassionate Allowance (CAL) – applicants with conditions that clearly qualify for benefits.
- Quick Disability Determination (QDD) – another way for applicants with certain conditions to qualify quickly.
If your claim is denied, you can ask for a reconsideration. Depending on how many cases have been filed before yours, you may have to wait 12 months or more to get a hearing.
If denied at the reconsideration level, the applicant can ask the Appeals Council to review their case. How long it takes, again, depends on how many cases are already on the docket. It can take a few months to a year to get a decision from the Appeals Council.
The next – and usually final – stage for appeal is filing a lawsuit in federal court. It may take a year or more for a federal judge to rule on your case. The ruling may also just send your case back to the Social Security Administration for review.
Getting Paid
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits start six months after your disability started. So, if you became disabled in January, your benefits would start in June. However, since SSDI benefits are paid the month after they are due, your first payment should be paid in July.
Factors That Affect Your Timeline
You can’t really speed up the Social Security process. However, you can make it more likely that your application will be denied.
Submitting incomplete or incorrect paperwork can delay the approval of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Refusing to cooperate with caseworker or medical providers can also make your approval process longer.
Get the Benefits You Deserve When You Need Them.
Sometimes you need a lawyer, not a paralegal or advisor. Your case receives the attention and care of experienced Social Security Disability attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller.
For your free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We are located in Anaheim, but we assist clients throughout Southern California.
