Social Security Disability Time Frames

We often get asked, “How long does the Social Security Disability (“SSDI”) process take?” The honest answer is it varies by jurisdiction. Unfortunately, the weak economy, budget cuts, and the fact that the baby-boomer generation is at retirement age, have all negatively affected the time frames of the SSDI process.

There are five potential stages that an individual may go through in the SSDI process, including the initial application, reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council, and Federal Court levels. The majority of individuals will be required to attend a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”).

After filing an initial application, it will take the Social Security Administration 120 to 270 days to make a decision, or approximately 4 to 9 months. If denied, these same time frames are applicable at the reconsideration stage, though we do get a majority of the reconsideration determinations back within 180 days, or 6 months. If you are denied at the reconsideration stage, you must request a hearing. At the hearing level, it takes SSA anywhere from 236 to 547 days to schedule a hearing (National Ranking Report By Average Processing Time dated 4/26/13). Keep in mind, the time period that a claimant will wait to have a hearing scheduled is in addition to the time frames at the initial application and reconsideration levels.

Below are the time frames for the local Southern California SSA hearing offices, which are technically known as the Office of Disability Adjudication and Reviews or “ODARs” (National Ranking report dated 4/26/13):

 Los Angeles Downtown = 275 days

Orange = 305 days

San Bernardino = 309 days

 Moreno Valley = 322 days

Long Beach = 328 days

Pasadena = 330 days

Los Angeles west = 340 days

Santa Barbara = 358 days

Norwalk = 428 days

San Diego = 475 days 

 As you can see, the time frames associated with the hearing level are varied. After a hearing is held, it will take an Administrative Law Judge anywhere from 30 to 90 days to make a decision, or 1 to 3 months. If the claim is awarded, it can take the local SSA office up to another 90 days, or 3 months, to process the monthly benefits. Retroactive benefits can take the local SSA offices longer to process.

If the claim is denied, however, an individual must file an appeal with the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia. On average, it will take the Appeals Council anywhere from 12 to 36 months, or 1 to 3 years, to rule on the claim. If denied, the only option left is to file a claim to Federal Court. Appeals to Federal Court can also take anywhere from 12 to 36 months, or 1 to 3 years, to receive a determination.

 We recognize that these time frames can be shocking. However, it is important for every claimant to come up with a plan to support himself/herself, while he/she applies for these benefits, as the Social Security process has some significant timeframes associated with it.

 For more information on the Social Security Disability process, please visit our website at http://www.westcoastdisability.com/The-Social-Security-Disability-Claims-Process/

 Got a question that you need answered? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with valuable information on our website that may help you navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to shoot us an email at info@westcoastdisability.com or call us at (800) 459-3017.