SSD Claim Waiting Times

Insight from Sacramento Social Security Disability Advocates

If you are preparing to submit an application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, it’s important to know what to expect once your claim has been filed. Depending on whether your claim is approved in the initial application stage or if you have appeals that you must make, the waiting periods can vary from as little as three to four months to over a year. The application and appeals process of filing for SSD benefits can be an exhausting and complicated procedure.

Having the experienced and knowledgeable representation of a Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyer from Disability Action Advocates can better facilitate the process and ensure you avoid any major mistakes or pitfalls along the way that could delay your claim.

What Is the Average Wait Time?

The average waiting time to have an SSD benefits application awarded is anywhere from three months to a year. Being awarded in the initial stage of the process will eliminate your waiting period so it’s important to have all of the proper documentation and forms completed precisely. Once your initial application is filed, it will take approximately three to four months before you receive a Notice of Decision regarding your case. Unfortunately, however, only about 40% of applicants are approved at this initial stage.

If your initial claim is denied, you will have a limited amount of days to file an appeal, called a Reconsideration. The Reconsideration determination stage of the process can take from three to six months, and again it is imperative that your paper work is complete and in good order. Only about 20% of Reconsideration applications are granted.

If your Reconsideration is denied, you will have 60 days to seek a hearing on your claim. Getting a date set for a hearing may take as long as a year or more. The good news, however, is that typically approximately 60% of appeals made during the hearing level of the process are granted. In order to minimize the waiting period for SSD benefits to be granted it’s crucial to have all applications and related paperwork completed correctly and in a timely manner. Let the skilled legal professionals at DAA help you maximize your chances for a successful outcome.

Social Security Disability Advocates Serving Sacramento

Disability Action Advocates (DAA) has been helping clients with their Social Security Disability needs for 20+ years. With thousands of cases won, we pride ourselves in devoting the necessary time and resources to every detail of your case, optimizing your chances for a timely and successful outcome. We represent clients in all areas of the Social Security Disability process including application process, appeals and hearings and claim waiting times.

To learn more, contact a Sacramento Social Security disability attorney at (888) 421-8705.