If I had to use one word to describe the Social Security Administration it would be "s-l-o-w." It's like most of the federal government: it can't get in a hurry.
I realize that most of the people who file for Social Security disability really need their money and need it now. But Social Security rocks along at its own speed, like a dinosaur with a fire under its tail.
Here are some estimates of how long it takes Social Security to do certain things. Remember, these are estimates or guesses based on averages. Your experience may be faster or even slower.
How Long Will It Take to Act on My Initial Disability Application? The average is about 90 to 120 days. It can take longer. But don't expect to get an initial decision in less than 3 months.
How Long Will "Reconsideration" Take? If your application is denied and you appeal (which you should do), the "Reconsideration" process usually takes 4 to 6 months. We've seen it take 10 to 12 months in extreme cases.
How Long to Get a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)? If Reconsideration denies your claim again, you will appeal again and ask for a hearing before and ALJ. While the waiting time to get a hearing has been falling in the last few months, we estimate your wait to be about 10 to 14 months for a hearing.
After the Hearing is Held, How Long to Get the Judge's Decision? The ALJ's decision can come anywhere from 30 days to 5 months following the hearing. I would say about 75 days is average to get your Notice of Decision, but it can take longer. There are no deadlines on Social Security.
If the ALJ Approves My Appeal, How Long to Get a Check? There is simply no way to know how long it will take one of the payment processing centers to write your check. I've seen checks arrive in 45 days, but I've also seen them take 4 or 5 months--after the judge's favorable decision has been issued. Most cases get paid within 90 days of the judge's written decision.
Is There Any Way to Speed Things Up? Usually, the answer is No, Social Security and the US Government cannot be switched to a higher speed. They operate at one speed for everyone. There are a few exceptions:
1. CRITICAL CASES. If the claimant has a terminal illness and death is expected within 6 to 12 months, he or she can request "critical case processing," which will usually speed up the case.
2. DIRE NEED. If a claimant is homeless or about to be evicted, or if they need urgent and emergency medical treatment which they cannot obtain, they may request to have a "dire need" recognized. In some cases, this can get action faster. The rules for dire need are very strict. The situation causing the "dire need" must be very immediate and very severe: homelessness, lack of food or housing, or inability to get emergency medical care.
3. Disabled Veterans designated as Wounded Warriors - can have their claims expedited.
Will Hiring an Attorney Speed Things Up? Honestly, no. Attorneys or representatives have no power to make Social Security act any faster than it does. However, if your case is being needlessly held up because paperwork has not been submitted or medical records have not been obtained, a representative may correct these problems and perhaps make the case move. But in ordinary circumstances, attorneys/representatives cannot rush Social Security.
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