How Long Does it Take to get a Decision for Social Security Disability?

The time taken for the processing of a social security disability claim varies based on a number of different factors. The SSA, or Social Security Administration, states that generally an initial disability claim's processing will take between 3 and 5 months. The time span that the completion of the claim covers is dependent on the amount of medical information that is required to come to a decision, and also on the speed at which your medical providers reply to the state agency's requests(the SSA uses state agencies to evaluate your disability claim). The time taken to complete the process also varies based upon whether it's necessary to use an SSA-appointed physician for a consultative examination to acquire extra information. Another key aspect of the processing time is the number of claims that are being submitted to the agency at the time, since backlogs lead to a higher workload.

There are two kinds of claims that will be qualified for expedited procession. The first is one where the claimant is probably disabled and there's readily available medical evidence. Claims like this are automatically put to the top of the queue for a Quick Disability Decision, which typically takes a month or less.

The second type of claim that receives expedited handling is Compassionate Allowance claims. If somebody is suffering from one of a select list of injuries, illnesses or diseases where there's no recovery expected, as a result of the advanced stage of the condition or the condition itself, there are special evidence rules that are applied. Since such conditions have always met the Listing of Impairment's disability requirements, the claims are fast track and don't require a substantial amount of confirming information in order to get an approval. Examples of said conditions include paralyzing spinal cord injuries and advanced, untreatable cancers.

If a loved one or you yourself have any queries regarding social security disability, or if you're in need of assistance with your disability claim, don't hesitate to call the lawyers of Carabin Shaw. They're here to help - get your free consultation call now by calling us at 210-222-2288