Factors That Affect the Approval Timeline

Initial Application

The first step in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is submitting your initial application. The SSA reviews your application to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. This includes reviewing medical records, work history, and other important details.

• Typical wait time for an initial decision: 3 to 5 months.

However, approval for SSD is not guaranteed, and many initial claims are denied. If your claim is approved, you may start receiving benefits relatively quickly. But if your claim is denied, you will need to go through the appeals process, which can significantly lengthen the timeline.

Disability Determination Process

After you submit your initial application, the SSA will forward it to a state Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency, where a medical expert reviews your application to determine if your disability qualifies under SSA’s guidelines. This process can take several weeks to a few months.

• If your medical records and evidence are clear and show that you meet SSA's criteria, your claim might be approved relatively quickly.
• If the DDS needs additional information or evidence from your doctors, this can delay the process.

Requesting a Reconsideration (If Denied)

If your initial application is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration. This involves a review of your application by a different examiner. You may also submit new medical evidence to support your case.

• Typical wait time for reconsideration: 3 to 5 months.

However, the reconsideration stage still results in a high rate of denial, and many claimants are sent to the next stage: requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Requesting a Hearing

If you are denied during the reconsideration stage, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where you can present your case in person and offer more evidence to support your disability claim. The hearing process can take several months to over a year, depending on the backlog of hearings in your area.

• Typical wait time for a hearing: 12 to 18 months or longer in some regions, due to high demand and limited resources.

Once the ALJ makes a decision, it can take several weeks to a few months to receive the final decision. If you’re approved, you will begin receiving your benefits. If denied, you can continue to pursue further appeals.

Appeals Council and Federal Court

If the ALJ denies your case, you can appeal the decision to the Appeals Council or even take it to federal court. These processes are lengthy and can add even more time to your case.

• Typical wait time for the Appeals Council: 6 to 12 months.
• If you choose to take the case to federal court, this could add another year or more to the process.

How to Speed Up the Process

There are a few ways you can expedite your claim or make the process smoother:

• Provide complete and accurate medical evidence: Submitting thorough and up-to-date medical records can help avoid delays.
• Follow up on your claim regularly: Make sure you respond to any SSA requests promptly.
• Consider hiring a disability attorney: A lawyer can help ensure that your application is complete and that you are fully prepared for any potential appeals.