Tag Archives: SSA

My Friend Got SSD Right Away. Why Is My Case Taking So Long?

Many people currently applying for Social Security disability benefits know someone who has been through the process before and is currently receiving benefits.  In fact, many of our current clients were referred to us by former clients who were pleased with how we handled their case.  This means we often hear the question “Why is my case taking so long?  My friend was awarded disability right away and didn’t have to wait.”

The short answer to this question is that every case is different.  Each case is assigned to someone at the Social Security Administration to handle, and some people work faster than others, or have less cases to work on.  If the person handling your case at SSA get sick or goes on vacation, you may wait longer for a decision.  If you are treated by several doctors, it may take SSA longer to get your records, and the more records there are to review, the longer the case can take.  Make sure you tell your doctors that you have filed your application so that their office staff will be aware that SSA’s request for records will be forthcoming.  The faster your doctors respond to SSA’s requests, the sooner a decision can be made.

The SSA does the best they can, given the increase in claims and decrease in staff members, to make decisions in a timely manner.  The best way to get a quick decision is to make sure that you give SSA all the information they need to process your claim and get your records.  If SSA is not told about a doctor that you see until they have already started the process, it may take them longer to get those records, delaying your decision.  You should also make sure that you respond to letters and phone calls from SSA as soon as possible.  Make sure that you promptly report any changes in your medical condition or care, such as a new doctor, a new medication, or a hospital visit. 

If you want assistance with your Social Security disability claim, please contact our office and speak with a member of our staff.  We’ll be happy to set up a free consultation so that we can discuss your case, either in one of our offices or over the phone.

Prior results do not guarantee outcomes.
Attorney Advertising.

When Should I File for Social Security Disability?

Filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) can be a lengthy process. Every case is different, and some are processed faster than others. However, we’ve found that it takes the Social Security Administration (SSA) between four (4) to six (6) months to make an initial decision.  If that decision is unfavorable (and about 70% of initial decisions are denials), it can take between eight (8) to twelve (12) months to have a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) scheduled. A year to a year-and-a-half wait is not uncommon.

You should file as soon as you know that you will be out of work for at least twelve (12) straight months OR if your condition is expected to result in death.

Due to the lengthy process, you should file for SSD as soon as possible. You should file as soon as you know that you will be out of work for at least twelve (12) straight months OR if your condition is expected to result in death. If you will not be out of work that long, you should not apply for SSD, unless your condition is expected to result in death. You should talk to y our doctor to see how long he/she expects you to be unable to work.  Your doctor’s support is incredibly important to your case – something we’ll talk more about in the future – so talk to him/her before making the decision to apply.

In order to make sure that you get the maximum amount of benefits you’re entitled to, your application must be filed within 17 full months from the time that you become disabled and unable to work. If you’ve already been out of work for a year or more, consider putting in an application right away to prevent any loss of benefits you would otherwise be entitled to.

Once you’ve spoken to your doctor and made the decision to apply, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Prior results do not guarantee outcomes.
Attorney Advertising.