How long is the approval process for Social Security?
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?
All SSDI claims are subject to a waiting period for benefits. The earliest payments can start is five months from the date that Social Security determines your disability began, based on the medical evidence you provide.
We collect data from a claimant (or a person helping the claimant) as they complete an application for benefits and enter the information into our Modernized Claim System (MCS). We update each case in MCS to reflect information collected and actions taken during processing along with associated dates.
Sign in to your my Social Security account to check your application status. Already have a my Social Security Account? Sign in to your account, scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section and select “View Details” to see your application status.
Making Too Much Money. 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 $1,350 per month.
- File Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ...
- Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ...
- Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ...
- Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ...
- Report your Symptoms Accurately. ...
- Provide Medical Evidence. ...
- Provide Details of your Work History.
We will find that you are not disabled. In our disability process, we evaluate your ability to do the physical and mental activities you were required to do in your past work. We do not consider whether you could get a job doing this work.
The law requires that we review your case from time to time to verify that you are still disabled. Generally, if your health hasn't improved, or if your disability still keeps you from working, you'll continue to receive your benefits.
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.
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.
Is it hard to get approved for Social Security?
In fact, it's rather difficult. Approximately 70% of initial SSDI claims are denied every year. In other words, less than one-third of initial claims are approved.
You can usually expect your back pay and first monthly check to start 30-90 days after the award letter. As far as insurance is concerned, if you were approved for SSI, you will receive If approved for SSI, will receive Medicaid benefits automatically depending on the state you live in.

If you receive a fully favorable decision, the SSA approved your application with the onset date of disability that you originally noted. You will then start receiving disability benefits as soon as your elimination period or waiting period has ended.
Typically, it takes 6 weeks to process your application and for the benefits to start. However, it will take longer if you submit incorrect information. Also, the duration for approval will depend on the number of submissions the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be processing at the time.
On the other hand, if you are missing information or made errors on your application, it will likely take longer for the SSA to process it. They will need to contact you for more information, or they will have to correct your errors. This can add weeks or even months to the process.
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.
- 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.
While the average wait time for Social Security's 800 number was around 13.5 minutes in 2021, some months have had longer delays. In January, for example, the average wait was around 40 minutes. In December, Rep.
The national average processing time for initial claims was 5 1/2 months in 2021. DDS used to take about 3 1/2 to 4 months to make most disability decisions, but in 2022, you should expect to wait 5 to 6 months for an initial decision.
If you receive a fully favorable decision, the SSA approved your application with the onset date of disability that you originally noted. You will then start receiving disability benefits as soon as your elimination period or waiting period has ended.
Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?
While the DDS office reviews applications and makes recommendations to the SSA, it is the SSA which makes the final decision to accept or reject claims for disability benefits.
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.
You can usually expect your back pay and first monthly check to start 30-90 days after the award letter. As far as insurance is concerned, if you were approved for SSI, you will receive If approved for SSI, will receive Medicaid benefits automatically depending on the state you live in.
In fact, it's rather difficult. Approximately 70% of initial SSDI claims are denied every year. In other words, less than one-third of initial claims are approved.
Retroactive pay is a period of up to one year prior to your application date for which the SSA will pay you SSDI benefits, assuming that you were eligible at that time.