What is the process of filing a social security disability claim?

Memphis Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability & Long Term Disability Attorney

Filing a Social Security Disability Claim: What You Need to Know

Filing a social security disability claim may be a very exhausting process. Many people do not realize how time consuming the process of filing can be. The sooner you are able to correctly file your claim, the sooner you may be able to receive SSD benefits. 

Attorney John Dunlap and his team are able to assist individuals in the Memphis area understand the process and timeline of filing a social security disability claim. 

We offer a free 20 minute strategy session to help you understand the process and timeline of filing a social security disability claim. Call today to schedule your strategy session with an experienced social security disability attorney.

How long does social security disability claim take?

Because every case is unique, there is no definite amount of time it takes to apply for social security disability benefits. There are many steps that must be completed before you are eligible to receive a decision about your social security disability claim.

To begin the process of filing your disability claim, you must schedule an appointment with your local social security office. 

Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will receive a packet of information stating the date and time of your appointment. An application for benefits and a disability report will be included in your packet.

You must fill out these forms prior to your scheduled appointment time, as the forms will be reviewed at your appointment. After your appointment, your forms will be sent to a state agency for a decision. Response time may vary significantly depending on individual cases. 

If your claim is initially denied, the next step is filing for reconsideration. If your reconsideration is denied, then you may choose to proceed with a social security disability hearing. While your chances of getting approved during a hearing may be greater, it may be a long and drawn out process.

Attorney John Dunlap has over 20 years experience in the Memphis area helping clients put forward their strongest case. John Dunlap may be able to help you speed up the process of filing a social security disability claim. 

We offer a free 20 minute strategy session to discuss your social security disability claim or appeal. Call to schedule yours today with an experienced social security disability attorney. 

How long does a social security disability application take?

Unfortunately, there is no concrete amount of time it takes to complete a social security disability application. Completing the application may not be a lengthy process, but depending on the city where your local society security office is located, waiting for your appointment may be prolonged. 

Hiring an experienced social security disability attorney may help you speed up the time it takes to officially apply for social security disability benefits.

We offer a free 20 minute strategy session to discuss your social security disability claim or appeal. Call to schedule yours with an experienced social security disability attorney.

How long does it take to review social security disability claim? 

There is typically a three to four month waiting period after your initial claim is sent for a decision to be reviewed. The examiner must review your case and go through all of the evidence included with the initial filing. The state agency may require additional medical testing, extending the length of time it takes to receive a decision. 

How long is the appeal process for social security disability benefits?

If your initial claim is denied, a request for reconsideration is the first step in the appeal process. You must file for reconsideration within 60 days of your initial claim denial. A reconsideration typically takes three to four months. During the reconsideration process, your claim will be reviewed again by the same agency who initially reviewed it. 

If your reconsideration is denied again, the next step is a social security disability benefits hearing. While your chances of getting approved after a hearing may be greater, the wait is often much longer. The average waiting period for a hearing is generally 6 months and in certain cases it may take up to 18 months.

Attorney John Dunlap has been guiding people in the Memphis area for over 20 years through the process of appealing their denial. We offer a free 20 minute strategy session to discuss your social security disability appeal. Call to schedule yours today with an experienced social security disability attorney.

How long does it take to get approved for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Several factors may influence how long it takes to receive social security disability benefits. A few of the factors that may influence the amount of time it takes to be approved include being approved/denied, where you live, and what type of benefits you have applied for.

If you get approved during your initial filing, it may only take you 6 months to get approved for social security disability benefits. However, if you are denied initially it could be almost 2 years from your initial filing date that you finally get approved after a successful reconsideration and hearing. 

How long does it take to get a social security disability payment?

If you are approved for benefits, the amount you receive will be determined by the SSA.  Your SSDI back pay will come as a lump sum payment. This is separate from your regular monthly deposit you will receive. You may not receive your SSDI back pay for three to four months after your first regular benefits check. 

You usually start receiving your SSI monthly benefits the month after your claim is approved. SSI back pay is paid in three different installments. Your first SSI back pay installment should  be received within a few months of receiving your first SSI monthly payment. Installments two and three should each be received six months after the previous payment is received. 

We offer a free 20 minute strategy session to discuss your social security disability claim or appeal. Call to schedule yours today with an experienced social security disability attorney. 

How long to get social security disability benefits? 

It is difficult not knowing how long it will be until you start receiving social security disability benefits. There are four types of expedited disability benefits programs the social security administration offers. These allow you to receive SSD benefits much faster. 

  1. Quick Disability Determination Program: The social security administration uses a  computer modeling system to analyze electronic files for certain factors that present a high probability the individual is disabled. 

  1. Compassionate Allowances Program: The compassionate allowances program allows individuals with severe medical conditions to get approved quickly. 

  1. Terminal Illness Program: When an individual with a terminal Illness applies for SSDI or SSI benefits, the SSA will process their claim quickly.

  1. Presumptive Disability Program: This program is designed to provide individuals with support while the SSA reviews the applicants file and their disability claim. 

Working with an experienced social security disability attorney can help you identify if you fall into one of the special cases which can reduce your wait time. Call to schedule your free 20 minute strategy session with an experienced social security disability attorney. 

Call to Get Started on Your Social Security Disability Claim

Hiring an experienced social security disability attorney may help you speed up the process of filing a social security disability claim. Attorney John Dunlap may be able to help guide you to putting together a strong case that can help you get approved as fast as possible. 

John Dunlap and his team have over 20 years experience helping clients in the Memphis area through the process of filing a social security disability claim and walking them through the appeal process if necessary. 

During your free 20 minute strategy session with Attorney John Dunlap, he will be able to talk you through the general timeline of filing a social security disability claim and the various steps that go along with the filing process. 

Call today to schedule your free 20 strategy session.