Most retirement and survivor claims are decided within about 14 days when benefits are due to start immediately or soon after filing.1Social Security Administration. Performance – Section: In-person / field office metrics Disability claims take much longer: an initial decision on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) generally takes six to eight months.2Social Security Administration. How long does it take to get a decision on my claim for disability benefits? So how long it takes Social Security to process an application depends mostly on which benefit you applied for, and, if it’s disability, how quickly medical evidence reaches the agency.
If your claim is denied and you appeal, add more time. Reconsideration is the first appeal level, and a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge follows if that’s also denied.3Social Security Matters. What is the Social Security Appeals Process?4Social Security Administration. Disability Reconsideration Average Processing Time5Social Security Administration. Performance – Section: Hearings processing time
Why Disability Claims Take Longer
Disability review requires the SSA to gather and evaluate your medical history. How long that takes depends on how promptly your healthcare providers send records, and on whether the agency decides you need to attend an additional medical examination.2Social Security Administration. How long does it take to get a decision on my claim for disability benefits? Staffing levels and agency backlogs also affect how quickly your file moves.
What You Can Do to Avoid Delays
Send everything the agency asks for the first time. A complete application spares the SSA from having to come back to you for missing details, which is one of the most common causes of delay.6Social Security Matters. Tips for Applying for Social Security Benefits Online For disability claims, that means full contact details for every doctor, hospital, and clinic that has treated you, so records requests can go out promptly.
How to Check the Status of Your Application
Log in to your personal account on the Social Security website. You’ll see when you filed, which office is handling your claim, and any scheduled hearing dates.7Social Security Administration. How do I check the status of my application for Social Security benefits? If you’d rather call, the SSA’s number is 1-800-772-1213. In-person help requires an appointment.8Social Security Administration. Contact Us
After the Decision
The SSA mails you a letter with the outcome.4Social Security Administration. Disability Reconsideration Average Processing Time If SSDI is approved, there is generally a five-month waiting period before payments begin. That waiting period does not apply if you were approved because of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).9Social Security Administration. Is there a waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?
If you disagree with the decision, you have 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice to file an appeal in writing. Miss that deadline and your case may be dismissed, though the SSA may grant an extension if you can show good cause for the delay.10Social Security Administration. SSR 91-5p The appeal process has four levels: reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and a review by a federal court.3Social Security Matters. What is the Social Security Appeals Process?