It can take months to get a disability approval letter after you submit your application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, the SSA does not promise to assess your application and make a decision within a specific timeframe, so the waiting period can vary.
A Houston Social Security Disability lawyer can keep you up-to-date about the status of your application and provide you with the support you need after you apply. A lawyer can also assist you if the SSA denies your initial application.
How Long Will It Take to Get a Disability Approval Letter?
The time it takes to receive a decision letter from the SSA after you apply for benefits will vary, but in many cases, it takes around six to eight months to receive a decision from this agency.
However, some people will face significantly longer wait times when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
You Can Track the Status of Your Pending Application
If you go digital and create your personal Social Security account, you can directly check on the status of your application as you wait to hear back from the SSA. Your attorney can review this information with you when you turn to them for help.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Why Does It Take So Long to Get a Disability Approval Letter?
The SSA goes through many steps after receiving disability applications. This process takes a significant amount of time, and you can only receive your approval letter after the SSA fully completes it.
Generally, the SSA first checks that your application will satisfy its non-medical requirements. Basically, the SSA will look at your work history to see if you have earned enough work credits to qualify for these benefits. If so, the SSA will send your application to Disability Determination Services (DDS).
Examiners at DDS will review your application, including all supporting documentation and medical evidence. After completing a review, the DDS will send your application back to the SSA, which will then send a letter approving or denying your benefits.
Factors That Can Delay Your Disability Benefits Application
Several factors can cause delays in your application for disability benefits, extending your wait time beyond a few months. Common reasons for delays include:
Issues Getting Information From Your Doctor
Examiners from the DDS frequently reach out to applicants’ doctors for additional medical information when reviewing applications. If your doctor fails to respond promptly, it will delay the processing of your application.
If your doctor ignores the request, it could cause the DDS to reject your application.
Failure to Submit to a Medical Examination
The DDS examiner may also ask that you go through an additional medical examination. If you refuse to go through this examination, it could result in a rejection. Delays in scheduling your examination will increase the time it takes to process your claim.
Issues With the Application
In some cases, issues with an individual’s initial application can result in a delay in the application process, adding to the time they have to wait to get benefits.
These issues can include:
- Errors in filing out the application
- Missing information
- Inconsistencies in reported information
Working with an attorney can help you avoid these issues because your lawyer can walk you through the process of completing the application. A lawyer can also explain how long it takes to get a disability approval letter.
How Long Does It Take to Appeal a Disability Denial?
The SSA takes a significant amount of time to go through the appeals process after rejecting an initial benefits application. The process does not take a set amount of time, because appeals can involve several stages, and the time to complete each one can vary considerably.
Each step in the appeals process may take months, and it often takes nearly a year for the SSA to schedule disability hearings. Working with an attorney can streamline the process to an extent, but you should expect to wait a considerable amount of time before receiving a decision on an appeal.
Talk to Us About Getting a Disability Approval Letter
So, how long does it take to get a disability approval letter? There’s no set time for the SSA to handle your disability application, but, in many cases, the process takes around six to eight months. Any issues with your application can increase the time you have to wait for approval.
Our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates can step in to assist you with your application. We’ll do everything possible to minimize the time you have to wait to receive benefits, because we know how important these funds can be when you face a disability.
We can also assist you after a disability denial. We have over 120 years of combined legal experience, and we only handle disability claims. Find out more by reaching out to us for professional help and support.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
