How long do it take Social Security to make a decision?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.


Why is it taking so long for Social Security to make a decision?

Because there are so many applications that are filed each year, it takes time for the SSA to process and review each one. This review time can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months on average. Most people have their initial application denied. It doesn't mean that your case is over and that you should give up.

How long after disability exam do they make a decision?

Once that exam is completed and the report is released, they will finish reviewing your claim and a decision will be made. At the initial stage, it takes roughly 4-6 months to receive a decision.


How do I know if my Social Security benefits are approved?

If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; or contact your local Social Security office.

How far back will Social Security pay me if I am approved?

By law SSDI benefits have a five-month waiting period — they start the sixth full month after the onset date — so you're entitled to 10 months of past-due benefits. Social Security typically pays past-due SSDI in a lump sum within 60 days of the claim being approved.


How Long Does it Take to Receive My #SocialSecurity Decision?



How long does it take to get your first Social Security check after approval?

Generally, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.

What's the fastest you can get approved for disability?

Initial claims can usually take 30 to 90 days to process. If enough medical evidence isn't presented in your records, the Social Security Administration may require you meet with one of their doctors for further review.

How can I speed up my disability process?

Here are some more ways to speed up your disability application.
  1. Requesting an OTR Decision. ...
  2. Requesting an Attorney Advisor Decision. ...
  3. Compassionate Allowances List. ...
  4. Terminal Illnesses. ...
  5. Presumptive Disability. ...
  6. Dire Need. ...
  7. Military Service Members. ...
  8. Contacting a Member of Congress.


When Social Security sends you to their doctor?

If social security sends you a letter asking you to see a doctor at their expense, it means that the disability examiner thinks there is not enough medical evidence on the disabilities that you are alleging. Most of the time, this is because you are not getting medical treatment on your own.

What happens after Social Security makes a decision?

Every time we make an initial determination, we will send you a notice. If you want to appeal the initial determination in that notice, you must request an appeal in writing within 60 days of the date you receive your notice. That notice will tell you how to appeal.

How long does Social Security disability medical review take?

It's understandable to feel stressed during these reviews, but understand that they aren't done and returned right away. It's important to have a degree of patience and the confidence that it's unlikely you'll lose your benefits. In general, periodic reviews take anywhere from one to two months to complete.


Does Social Security disability contact your doctor?

So, they ask you to have a special exam or medical test that we'll pay for. We'll also pay for certain related travel expenses. If a doctor who is not your regular doctor performs your exam or test, we can send a copy of the results to your doctor if you ask us.

Does Social Security disability follow you?

In general, disability investigators often follow you around to ensure that your claim is legitimate. While this method may have been heavily used in the past, in today's day and age, claims administrators often utilize a different method for surveilling individuals, and it's with social media and background checks.

What disqualifies a person from disability?

To qualify for disability benefits, a person must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) earning up to a certain amount. If you are able to make more than the SGA, then you will not qualify. For 2022 the threshold is $1,470 per month. For an applicant who is statutorily blind the amount is $2,460.


Why does disability make you wait 5 months?

The purpose of this waiting period is to ensure that applicants have long-term disabilities before they receive any benefits. For example, if the SSA awards benefits on February 1st, they won't actually be dispersed until July.

How do you survive waiting on disability?

While you wait for disability benefits to be approved, consider seeking assistance through other local, state, and federal support programs. These may include: Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Does everyone get back pay for disability?

You are entitled to receive a maximum of 12 months of retroactive benefits prior to your application date. Retroactive pay is not owed to everyone and is not affected by the backlog of Disability cases.


What are the 5 steps of disability determination?

Social Security uses a 5-Step sequential evaluation process to determine if your SSDI or SSI claim will be approved
  • Step 1: Non-Medical Criteria. ...
  • Step 2: Severe Impairment. ...
  • Step 3: Medical Listings. ...
  • Step 4: Past Work. ...
  • Step 5: Other Work.


What happens if you are denied Social Security disability benefits?

If the SSA denies your application, they will send you a letter advising you of the reasons for their decision. You have the right to request a reconsideration and have them review your entire file. Appeal. If your application is denied after you request a reconsideration, you can file an appeal and request a hearing.

Do SSDI denials come faster than approvals?

SSDI denials do not come faster than approvals. In most cases, SSDI denials do not come faster than SSDI approvals. When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, your application goes through a specific process.


How long does it take to hear back from a disability update report?

The Disability Update Report is only six questions long and will likely take from one to three months for the agency to process. Sometimes, the SSA will flag your Disability Update Report for one reason or another and you'll then be subject to the full Continuing Disability Report Review.

What can cause you to lose your Social Security disability benefits?

What Can Cause SSDI Benefits to Stop?
  • Returning to Work While on SSDI. ...
  • Reaching Retirement Age While on SSDI. ...
  • Being Incarcerated or Institutionalized While on SSDI. ...
  • When Social Security Dependents Benefits May Stop. ...
  • Going Above the Income or Asset Limits. ...
  • Returning to Work. ...
  • Turning the Age of 18. ...
  • Changes in Living Situation.


How to pass Social Security disability mental exam?

6 Useful Tips For Your Mental Examination
  1. Answer The Question. ...
  2. Be Honest And Don't Exaggerate. ...
  3. Try Not To Ramble Or Go Off Subject. ...
  4. Be Specific About Your Symptoms And Limitations. ...
  5. Paint A Picture Of Your Daily Living. ...
  6. Don't Be Embarrassed.


How do I pass a disability review?

If you want to keep yours, here are some tips on how to pass a continuing disability review:
  1. Follow Your Treatment Protocol. ...
  2. Learn More About Your Condition. ...
  3. Answer the Short Form Honestly. ...
  4. Keep Copies of Your Medical Records. ...
  5. Inform the SSA of Any Change in Address.


How does Social Security make a decision?

Using federal laws, regulations, and Agency policies and procedures, the state agency completes the disability decision for Social Security. In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews a sample of initial disability claims prior to a final determination.