How Local Sacramento Expertise Helps in Social Security Disability Claims

 

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can not only be challenging, but it’s frustrating, too. When your health and livelihood are on the line, you need immediate help. However, the reality is far different and disturbing.

The most common question we hear is, "How long does it take to get disability benefits?" The answer is, unfortunately, not as straightforward as we want it to be. 

But in this blog, we’ll break down every step of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process, explain the typical disability benefits processing time, and give you tips to avoid unnecessary delays.

How Long Does Social Security Disability Take to Be Approved? Let’s Face the Reality

On average, the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes 6 to 8 months to make an initial decision on your disability application. But that's only the first stage. 

According to a report, an average of 68% of initial SSDI applications get rejected. And if your application is also denied, the appeals process can stretch the Social Security disability timeline to two years or more.

So, Why Is the SSDI Approval Time So Long?

Each SSDI application is unique, and the time it takes to get approved depends on several factors.

• The complexity and type of your medical condition
• How quickly do your medical providers submit records
• Whether you need to attend additional medical evaluations
• Quality assurance reviews (which randomly audit applications)

SSDI Timeline - A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Here’s what you can expect at each stage, from application to final decision.

1. Initial Decision (6 to 8 Months) - Once you apply, your file is reviewed by a state agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS). During this time, they may request more medical evidence or schedule you for a consultative exam.

Tip - Make sure all your records are submitted early, promptly, and in full.. A delay from your doctor’s office can extend this stage.

2. Reconsideration (4 to 6 Months) - If your initial claim has been denied, you can file for reconsideration within 60 days. This stage is basically a second review by a different SSA reviewer. Unfortunately, nearly 87% to 90% of reconsideration requests are also denied.

3. Administrative Law Judge(ALJ) Hearing (12 to 18 Months) - If reconsideration also fails, your next option is a hearing before a judge. You’ll usually wait a year or more for this hearing. After the hearing, it can take another 60 to 90 days to get a decision.

Tip - You're almost three times more likely to win at the hearing level if you have a disability lawyer by your side.

4. Appeals Council and Federal Court - In rare cases where the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal further. 

• First, you appeal to the Appeal Council within 60 days of the order. 
• If you disagree with the Appeal Council’s decision, you can further appeal to the Federal Court within the next 60 days.

These final stages can take several more months or even years.

What About a 5-Month Waiting Period?

Even if your claim is approved, SSDI has a built-in five-month waiting period from the established disability onset date. That means:

• If your disability began in January, you won’t be eligible for payments until June.
• SSA pays benefits a month after they are due, so your first payment would arrive in July.

Note - If you have ALS, there is no five-month waiting period. Payments start the first full month after your disability onset date.

When Will You Receive Your First SSDI Check?

Once your application is approved and the five-month waiting period has passed, the SSA typically issues your first payment within 60 days.

This 60-day timeframe starts after approval, not from the date you applied. So, by the time SSA approves your claim, the waiting period has usually already been satisfied retroactively.

Your payment date depends on your birth date -

• 1st to 10th: Second Wednesday of the month
• 11th to 20th: Third Wednesday
• 21st to 31st: Fourth Wednesday

So, if your approval comes in July and your birthday is July 8th, your first check should arrive on the second Wednesday of August.

Speak To Our Disability Attorney Today

What About Back Pay?

Social Security Disability benefits include back pay, calculated from the sixth month after your disability began to the month your claim is approved.

Let’s say your disability onset was March 2023, and you were approved in March 2024. Because of the five-month waiting period, your payments would be due starting from August 2023. However, since SSA typically pays a month after benefits are due, your back pay would cover benefits from September 2023 onward. This amount would be issued to you in a lump sum.

Tips to Speed Up the Disability Benefits Process

The disability benefits processing time can feel endless, but there are things you can do to move things along:

• Submit complete and updated medical records with your application
• Respond quickly to any SSA requests (usually within 10 days)
• Follow up with your doctors and the SSA regularly
• Create a "My Social Security" account to track your application status online
• Hire a trusted and experienced disability attorney who can guide you and prevent mistakes

Can You Qualify for Expedited Processing

If your condition is on the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances list or you’re facing a terminal illness, your claim may be expedited, sometimes decided within weeks.

Also, if you’ve previously received SSDI and your benefits stopped because you returned to work, you may qualify for Expedited Reinstatement within five years without filing a new application.

So, How Long Does It Take to Get Disability Benefits? A Quick Summary

Stage	Timeframe
Initial Application	3 to 8 months
Reconsideration	4 to 6 months
Hearing Before a Judge	12 to 18 months
First SSDI Payment (After Approval)	Within 60 days after approval
Back Pay	Paid with the first check ( after a 5-month waiting period)
Total Time (If All Stages Needed)	Up to 2+ years

 

Bottom Line - Seek Professional Assistance

Waiting for disability benefits is emotionally and financially draining. As you now know, the entire process is long, filled with paperwork, and often overwhelming. Doing it alone could be difficult for anyone

If you’re serious about getting the support you need, the smartest move you can make is to get professional help. A disability attorney understands the system, fights for your rights, and boosts your chances of success.

Denied? Delayed? Don’t Give Up - We Win the Tough Ones

If you’re also upset about the Social Security Disability timeline and wish to receive your claims fast, you’re at the right place.

At Hadley & Fraulob, we have been successfully assisting people in getting their claims in the Sacramento Valley for over 40 years. Our experienced attorneys discuss your case compassionately, simplify the application process for you, and represent you in the hearings if required. 

We aim to help our clients receive the benefits they deserve in the least expected time. You don’t even have to pay until we win your case.

Call us at (800) 404-4458 to schedule a free appointment!