General Timeline for Social Security Benefits

• Initial Application Processing
  The first step in applying for Social Security benefits is submitting your application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). After you submit your application, it typically takes about 3 to 5 months for the SSA to review your case and make an initial decision. This time frame can vary depending on the volume of applications, the complexity of your case, and the availability of your medical records.
• What Happens After You Apply?
  The SSA will evaluate your medical condition, work history, and financial situation. For SSDI claims, the SSA will assess whether you have worked long enough and contributed enough to the Social Security system. For SSI, they will focus on your income and resources. This process includes gathering your medical records and other relevant documentation, which can sometimes cause delays.
• Approval or Denial of Your Claim
• Approval: If you are approved for benefits, you will start receiving payments according to the SSA's schedule. The exact start date will depend on the date you became eligible and the type of benefits you’re receiving.
• Denial: If your application is denied, which happens in the majority of cases, you will need to file an appeal. The appeals process can take additional time.

How Long Does the Appeals Process Take?

If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. The process includes several stages, each of which can add months to the overall timeline:

• Reconsideration: If your initial claim is denied, you can request a reconsideration. This stage typically takes about 3 to 4 months.
• Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. The waiting time for a hearing can vary, and it typically takes 12 to 18 months to schedule a hearing due to a backlog of cases.
• Appeals Council: If you’re still denied after the ALJ hearing, you can ask the SSA’s Appeals Council to review the decision. This process can take an additional 6 to 12 months.
• Federal Court: As a final option, you can file a lawsuit in federal court, which can take even more time.

Factors That Affect the Processing Time

Several factors can influence how long it takes to get Social Security benefits after applying:

• Type of Disability: If you are applying for SSDI due to a severe or terminal condition, you may qualify for Expedited Processing, which can speed up your case. For example, individuals with certain conditions (like cancer or ALS) may be eligible for Compassionate Allowances, which fast-track approval.
• Medical Evidence: The more thorough and complete your medical records are, the faster the SSA can process your application. Missing or incomplete records can cause delays.
• Work History and Income: For SSDI, if your work history and earnings are straightforward, the process may go more quickly. For SSI, where income and resources need to be evaluated, delays can occur if there is complexity in your financial situation.
• Backlog and Local Office Processing Times: Processing times can vary depending on the SSA office handling your case and the volume of applications they’re processing. In some cases, delays can be caused by a backlog of claims.

When Will You Receive Your First Payment?

Once your claim is approved, the date you receive your first payment will depend on several factors:

• SSDI: If you’re approved for SSDI, your payments will begin in the sixth full month after the date you were determined to be disabled. The date of your disability onset determines the payment start date.
• SSI: SSI payments are typically made starting the month after your approval, but payments will be delayed if the SSA is waiting for additional documentation or if there are delays in processing your case.