When will I receive my Social Security disability benefits?

On Behalf of | Dec 20, 2021 | Social Security Disability |

Many disabled workers want to know when they will obtain Social Security disability benefits. The short answer: If you’re approved to receive disability benefits, you’ll likely have to wait more than a year after your initial application. However, there are many steps to take before you can achieve that goal.

First, you must apply, have a qualifying ailment, and pass muster with the state agency for the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the government accepts your claim, you are on your way, but still must still wait a bit. If the SSA denies your claim, you can appeal. However, expect more waiting.

Apply and file an appeal if necessary

Patience is crucial. Try not to let frustration overcome you. Here is a general timeline as to what you can expect if you’re a disabled worker:

  • Once the SSA receives your application, it takes roughly three to five months to decide. If the agency approves your application, you will have to wait five months before getting the benefits. So, if all goes smoothly, conceivably, you could receive your first payment in about eight months.
  • A denied application is not unheard of as the SSA rejects two-thirds of all claims. Now, you must file an appeal and do so as soon as you can. You have a 60-day deadline.
  • Due to a backlog of appeals cases, people who seek this remedy on average wait almost nine months before a hearing is scheduled. Depending on which regional SSA office reviews your case, it could take as much as 16 months or as little as five months before a hearing is set.
  • At the appeal hearing, an administrative law judge reviews evidence of your case as well as testimony from witnesses. The judge’s decision may take as much as three months.
  • If you receive a favorable ruling, you will get those disability benefits. However, you must be disabled for five straight months to qualify for them.

It can be an arduous process, but, in the end, it can be worth it to you and your family.

Seek insight from a legal ally

Please understand that securing SSD benefits will take a great amount of time and require you to submit an assortment of documents. You can do this work yourself, but it’s a good idea to have an attorney guiding you.

The Importance Of A Local Attorney