Sunday, July 15, 2012

How Long Does a Claim for Social Security Benefits Take?

The initial application for disability benefits is handled by the local social security office.  In San Diego, the Social Security Administration contracts with the California Department of Disability Services to develop the case.  This department will order and obtain records and employ medical doctors to review records and provide opinions as to the functional capacity of the claimant.  Essentially, they are providing their opinions as to the claimant's maximum work capacity.  This stage typically takes approximately 4 to 6 months.  If the Decision is unfavorable, an appeal known as a Request for Reconsideration needs to be filed within 60 days.  This appeal is also handled by the local social security office and is again referred out to the Department of Disability Services for further development and evaluation.  The Reconsideration phase typically takes an additional 3 to 5 months.

If the Request for Reconsideration is unfavorable, a Request for a Hearing needs to be filed within 60 days.  In San Diego, the average wait for a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge is 12.5 months.  The wait times vary widely between the various Hearings Offices throughout the country.  For a current publication issued by the Social Security Administration detailing the average wait time, click on the link below.  A request for an expedited hearing can be made under certain circumstances.  For details, please call our office at 619-278-0900.

11 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this information! What can you tell me about the social security disability in Minnesota?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Will this greatly effect erisa disability claims in San Diego, Ca? I didn't realize how much variation there is in wait time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am not sure how long it will take for yours specifically. Each persons' social security things work differently and really depends on the government or the state that you live in. Sorry that I could not be more help, but I am hoping with what I have said has helped out.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What sorts of personal information from me will they need in order to get my erisa disability claims started in San Diego CA.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It would not be fun to live in San Diego and need social security. 4-6 months is just too long to without needed funds. Luckily I don't live there, nor do I need social security disability, but my friend who has been injured for years is degenerating rapidly and is thinking about it. I told him the best step is to first talk to an attorney and go from there. http://perrydieterich.com/social-security-disability.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is about right. When my aunt applied for social security disability, she didn't receive her benefits until half a year later. It also took her a little bit of time showing the state that she indeed does have a disability, but once she was approved, it was a great burden lifted her shoulders!

    http://sdltdattorneys.com/Private_Disability_Claims_San_Diego_CA.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had no idea that the process to receive Social Security benefits took so long. What is the office doing during those 4 to 6 months that make it take so long? Do they do additional research? I'm curious because I know that 2 percent of my paycheck goes to Social Security. Because of that, I'm interested in what the process is for determining whether someone can receive benefits. http://www.ckdisabilitylaw.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice Blog! Thanks for sharing this post. If you are denied of any benefits, things will still work out as social security appeals have four levels if you are denied at any level you can appeal within 60days to get your benefits operated and started.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I need to file for social security because I am no longer able to work. Would they offer me back pay during the application process? The hard thing is I need money now, but I know that the paperwork has to go through its own process. Getting set up with social security sure will relieve a bunch of burdens off my back.
    http://www.socialsecurityesq.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for this information. My aunt filed a claim for social security disability and she is wondering how long it will take for someone to get back to her. From what I understand, the process is a long one and if she were to be denied, it would be very stressful for her. Would you recommend hiring a lawyer?

    Susan Hirst | http://www.slaterlawpc.com

    ReplyDelete