how long initial social security claim with lawyer

How long will it take to get a decision for Social Security?

If you worked alone in filing your Social Security disability claim and it was denied after the initial review, the attorneys at Gade & Parekh, LLP can ensure that you file a successful appeal. With an extensive history of working with California disability law, our #1 …

How does the long claims process work for Social Security disability?

Jun 14, 2017 · According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you typically get an initial decision regarding your disability claim within three to five months of filing. However, this figure, they stress, is dependent on a number of factors.

How long does it take to reapply for Social Security disability?

Total decision times currently range from eight months (San Antonio, TX) to 22 months (Long Island, NY). The average in mid-2020 is 13 months. We surveyed readers on how long it took them to get hearing dates and decisions; read the survey results here.

What does the timeline for a Social Security disability claim look like?

First-time applicants may win approval in 3-5 months, on average. In December 2020, the SSA approved a little more than 1 in 5 first-time applicants. Most claimants have to appeal their initial denials, especially if they don’t have a lawyer handling their cases.

How long does it take to get a Social Security settlement?

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.

How long does it take to get back pay from Social Security once approved?

one to two monthsOnce you begin receiving benefits, it takes another one to two months to receive your SSDI back pay. At this point in time, you will receive a lump sum containing the full amount of your SSDI back pay and retroactive benefits.Mar 22, 2021

Why is my Social Security claim taking so long?

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.

How far back does Social Security pay back pay for disability?

Fifteen months elapsed from the time you became disabled — what the SSA calls your “onset date” — to when your claim was finally 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.

How long does it take to get your 1st Social Security check?

Once you have applied, it could take up to three months to receive your first benefit payment. Social Security benefits are paid monthly, starting in the month after the birthday at which you attain full retirement age (which is currently 66 and will gradually rise to 67 over the next several years).Apr 9, 2020

Is your first Social Security check retroactive?

If you've already reached full retirement age, you can choose to start receiving benefits before the month you apply. However, we cannot pay retroactive benefits for any month before you reached full retirement age or more than six months in the past.

Who makes the final decision on Social Security Disability?

An applicant can receive payments for up to 6 months while the Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews the claim and makes the final decision.

How can I speed up my SSDI claim?

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

How do I find out if my SSI claim is pending?

You cannot check the status of your application online if you do not have a my Social Security account. Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.Apr 8, 2021

Why is there a 5 month waiting period for disability?

Applicants can begin to receive benefits starting the sixth month after their established onset date (EOD) due to a mandatory five-month waiting period maintained by the SSA. The purpose of this waiting period is to ensure that applicants have long-term disabilities before they receive any benefits.

What is the most back pay for Social Security?

Therefore, the maximum amount of retroactive pay that you can receive would be one year's worth of benefits, and that would require you to have been disabled for 17 months or more prior to your application date (due to the 5-month waiting period).

What is the monthly amount for Social Security disability?

Social Security disability payments are modest At the beginning of 2019, Social Security paid an average monthly disability benefit of about $1,234 to all disabled workers.

The “3 to 5 Months” Wait Time, and Why It’S Disappointing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) website claims that applicants typically wait three to five months to receive a decision—but how long real...

Inside The Social Security Disability Claims Approval Process

Getting your SSD benefits claim approved by the SSA is a lengthy process full of questions: What goes on behind the scenes during the Social Securi...

Why There Is Such A Long Wait For Social Security Disability Benefits?

While there may be ways to speed up the approval process for your SSD benefits, waiting for SSD eligibility can take months—and even longer if you...

Getting Approved For Disability Benefits

While there may not be a concrete answer as to how long it will take for a Social Security disability approval, there are ways to possibly speed up...

How long does it take to appeal an ALJ decision?

The length of time it takes the federal district court to decide an appeal is about eight months from the date it was filed.

How long does it take for the AC to review a claim?

If the AC decides to review your claim (it has the option not to), it can take up to a year to receive the AC's decision. The length of time it takes the AC to reach a decision depends on: how complex your case is.

What is a terminal illness claim?

Terminal Illness. The SSA refers to claims based on terminal illness as "TERI" cases. If it has been determined that your condition is terminal, you (or a family member) must notify the SSA immediately, and your case will be expedited. For more information, see Nolo's article on TERI claims.

Can the SSA expedite a claim?

Personal or Public Safety. If there is evidence that you are a threat to yourself (suicidal) or to the public (homicidal), the SSA may expedite your claim. Evidence from you, your family, the police, or treating doctors can be used to demonstrate that you are a threat to yourself or to others.

Can an attorney make a decision on a disability claim?

An attorney cannot make the SSA decide your claim faster, but an attorney can sometimes file a request for an off-the-record decision or an attorney adviser opinion. If the request is successful, you may be able to get a positive decision before having to go to a disability hearing.

Is there a deadline for SSA?

This is, in part, because there is no deadline the SSA is required to follow. Decision times also depend on the following factors: whether you are at the initial application stage or have appealed. what state you live in and how long the backlog is at your hearing office.

Does the SSA expedite the approval process?

The SSA will expedite (speed up) the approval process in some critical cases. Here are examples of when a case can be expedited: the applicant suffers from a terminal illness. the applicant's condition qualifies for a "compassionate allowance".

How long does it take to appeal an SSD claim?

The SSD application process doesn’t end if your first claim’s denied. Instead, you have 60 days from the day your denial letter arrives to file an appeal. However, where you live largely determines how long you’ll wait for an appeals hearing. See average appeals hearing wait times in your state or region here. Currently, the national average wait time for an appeals hearing is 11.8 months. In other words, you’ll wait at least 1.5 years from the date you apply if you win SSD benefits on appeal.

What is the first step in the long claims process?

According to Tim Moore, a former disability examiner for the SSA, the first step in the long claims approval process is to send your Social Security disability benefits application to a state disability agency, which is also called Disability Determination Services (DDS).

How to appeal a disability claim?

Appealed disability claims have four steps before you should attempt to reapply for benefits. The SSA may approve your claim at any point in this process: 1 Reconsideration 2 A hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) 3 An appeals council review 4 Federal court

How many steps do you have to take to appeal a disability claim?

Most claimants have to appeal their initial denials, especially if they don’t have a lawyer handling their cases. Appealed disability claims have four steps before you should attempt to reapply for benefits. The SSA may approve your claim at any point in this process: Reconsideration.

How many ALJs are there in the SSA?

The ODAR will then schedule your case and notify you of your upcoming hearing date. According to the SSA, approximately 1,535 administrative law judges (ALJs) make more than 558,000 rulings every year, so it can take a while.

How to get approved for disability?

While there may not be a concrete answer as to how long it takes for Social Security disability approval, there are ways to possibly speed up the process. 1. Consult a Lawyer. An attorney or advocate who specializes in Social Security disability cases knows exactly what you need in terms of documentation, ...

Can I get SSI faster in Ohio?

Some people may think they could receive benefits faster if they apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but the Ohio Bar says the “laws governing who medically qualify are the same” for both programs. According to the Federal Times, the issue may worsen as the number of SSA employees continues to decline.