How Long Does It Take to Be Approved for Disability Benefits?

If you have a disability and can no longer work, or returning to work will take time, a sudden dip in your income can be very upsetting in such troublesome times.

Here are some points that should be kept in mind while waiting to receive your compensation benefits:

• Collection of medical evidence: Your medical record should be complete and comprehensive enough to prove your condition and inability to work. The longer the doctors take to send your reports, the longer the process is likely to be delayed. To expedite, it is recommended to keep a copy of your records and submit them along with your application.
• The initial claim process: Your application is sent to a state organization that evaluates disability claims. This could take 30 to 90 days, after which you will find out if your claim has been approved or denied. If approved, Social Security Disability approval is likely to be processed within three (3) months. However, if your claim is denied, the appeal process can take a further 3 to 5 months.
• Insufficient medical evidence: If your medical reports do not confirm your condition or lack some evidence, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will likely ask you to visit their panel of doctors for review. Getting the appointment and making it at the set date and time is critical to avoid further delay in the process. If you do not keep your appointments, you could even be denied Social Security disability.

The time it takes for your Social Security Disability application to be processed is also influenced by where you live. Some states have a large backlog of cases it needs to review than others. Someone who resides in Illinois, for example, will have to wait far longer than someone who lives in Utah.

It is important to keep tracking the status of your claim so that any missing requirements or observations can be fulfilled at the earliest. You can also hire a Social Security Disability attorney to handle your case. Our lawyers are experienced in handling any complications that may be delaying your approval. We are also aware of specific tips that will fast-track your application and navigate you through the often-complicated claim process with ease.

We serve clients throughout the Carolinas from our offices in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Columbia.