Principal Attorney
After you apply for Social Security disability benefits, you can generally expect to wait six to eight months for an initial decision. Some applications are decided sooner, while others take longer depending on the medical evidence needed and the circumstances of the claim.
During this time, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your eligibility and gathers the information needed to decide whether you meet its definition of disability.
How Long Does an SSDI Decision Take?
SSA currently estimates that an initial disability decision generally takes six to eight months. This is an estimate rather than a guaranteed timeframe.
Your claim may take longer if SSA has difficulty obtaining medical records, needs additional information, or asks you to attend a consultative examination. Processing times can also vary based on where you live and current workloads.
A longer wait does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your application or that your claim will be denied.
What Happens While You Are Waiting for an SSDI Decision?
After you apply for Social Security disability benefits, SSA first reviews the non-medical requirements for your claim. The case is then generally sent to a state Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency for the medical evaluation.
DDS reviews your medical records and other evidence to determine whether you meet Social Security’s definition of disability. It usually seeks evidence from your own medical providers first.
If your existing records do not provide enough information, DDS may request additional records or arrange a consultative examination. You may also be contacted for more information about your medical conditions, treatment, or work history.
Once the necessary evidence has been developed and reviewed, a determination is made and SSA sends you notice of its decision.
What Can You Do While Waiting for a Disability Decision?
You cannot control every part of the SSDI timeline, but you can help prevent avoidable delays.
Make sure SSA has accurate information about your medical providers and treatment history. Respond promptly if you receive requests for additional information or are asked to attend a medical examination. You should also report important changes, such as a new address or medical provider.
You can check the status of your application through your personal my Social Security account. The online system may show the current status of your claim and the office handling it.
What Happens After SSA Makes a Decision?
SSA will send you a notice explaining whether your disability claim was approved or denied.
If your claim is approved, the notice should provide information about your benefits and when payments are expected to begin.
If your claim is denied, you generally have 60 days after receiving the decision to request reconsideration. At reconsideration, someone who was not involved in the initial determination reviews your claim and any new evidence.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Because each appeal adds another stage to the process, the total time required to resolve a disability claim can extend well beyond the initial application period.
You can learn more about challenging an unfavorable decision through the disability appeals process.
FAQs About SSDI Decision Times
Does a longer wait mean my SSDI claim will be denied?
No. The amount of time your application takes does not indicate whether it will ultimately be approved or denied. Some claims simply require more time to obtain and review the necessary evidence.
Can some disability claims be processed faster?
Yes. SSA has procedures that can expedite certain claims, including some cases involving particularly severe medical conditions. Whether a claim qualifies for faster processing depends on the circumstances.
Should I apply for SSDI online or at a Social Security office?
You can apply for SSDI online, by phone, or through a Social Security office. Applying online allows you to begin the process without waiting for an appointment, but the method you use to submit your application does not guarantee a faster disability determination.
Don’t Let an Avoidable Delay Hold Up Your Claim
The SSDI decision process takes time, but submitting complete information and responding promptly to SSA can help keep your application moving. If questions arise while your claim is pending, you do not have to wait for a denial to seek assistance.
Disability Advocates Group helps California applicants at every stage of the disability benefits process. Contact us today for a free consultation if you need help applying for benefits, responding to SSA, or determining what to do next.
