HOW LONG WILL YOU WAIT FOR A DISABILITY DECISION? THE FACTORS

You are unable to work for the first time in your life. It is a frightening situation and the stress is tremendous. You file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. You've heard all the horror stories about Social Security. The big question is, How long will it take to get a decision on my claim?

The short answer is: Initial decisions usually take 3 to 5 months. Each case will vary.

Several factors control how long your decision will take.

1. HOW LONG IT TAKES TO GET MEDICAL RECORDS: Your application is assigned to the state Disability Determination Service (DDS). They will order your medical records from each doctor, hospital, clinic or medical provider. Some providers will return the requested records promptly, others may wait a long time to respond. This is a big factor.

2.DO MEDICAL RECORDS CONTAIN ENOUGH INFORMATION? Do you need to be sent for a special medical examination? About 1 case in 5 will be referred for a medical and/or psychological examination by a doctor contracted with the Social Security Administration. This will delay the the decision by about 60 days.

3. ARE THERE SPECIAL RECORDS? A few claimants will need to provide unusual records, such as education records, tax returns, or wage information. These may delay the decision.

4. HOW QUICKLY YOU RETURN FORMS AND QUESTIONNAIRES. After your application has been filed, the Disability Determination Service will send you several forms or questionnaires to complete and return. Two forms they always request following the application is the Adult Function Report and the Work History Report. These are a pain to complete, may have up to 15 pages per form, and up to 200 questions. Taking your own sweet time to complete the forms and mail them back to DDS will delay your decision accordingly (and may also get you denied).

So, how to get a decision in the shortest time possible? Return all forms and requests for more information promptly (within 10 days of receipt). Be meticulous and complete each form in detail and with great care. Have a family member or friend proofread the forms before returning them. Return all calls to Social Security promptly. Leave messages if they don't answer. Attend any examinations scheduled for you, arriving 15 minutes early (and take all prescription medications with you). Check with your disability specialist (claims manager) at DDS about every 2 weeks to be sure everything has been turned in.

A Final Caution: 7 out of 10 applications are denied. You have 60 days to file a written appeal and move your case forward for review and further consideration. Most cases actually get paid in the appeal process, not in the first application stage. Appeals are the rule, not the exception.

Call us for a FREE consultation at (256) 799-0297. We may be able to help get you a quicker and better decision. Quicker pay and more benefits is our goal.