How Long Does It Take To Get A Social Security Settlement?
The pursuit of Social Security Disability Benefits is a long, slow process. Typically it takes close to two years from the date you start.
Typically it’s A 3 Step Process
With almost every case, it takes time to get a Social Security settlement. There are three steps to obtain benefits. The first step in the process is the Initial Application. This is done either online at SSA.gov or with a Social Security Representative on the phone. As part of this process, you will tell the government your educational background, work history, why you are disabled and how long you have been. In almost every case, within about 90 days, you will receive a notice of denial telling you that the Administration disagrees with you.
Dealing With Your Initial Denial
After this denial, you have sixty days to file a Request for Reconsideration. This is a form found online that allows you to challenge the accuracy of the initial determination. It is very important you do this in a timely fashion
If you fail to complete this within sixty days, you will have to go back to the drawing board and start all over. Unfortunately, even if you do complete this, you can most likely expect to get denied again in a couple of months.
Expect To Be Denied A Second Time
Once you get this second denial, you will need to file, again within sixty days, an Application for Hearing. This is the pleading that gets you where you need to be – in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
This is where you will have your best chance to obtain a favorable social security ruling.
Unfortunately, it will take many months to actually get in front of the judge. During the interim, while awaiting the hearing, your social security disability attorney has a great many tasks to accomplish with your assistance.
This includes gathering medical records, obtaining a specific document from your doctor – a medical source statement – and preparing your trial testimony. Once you get in front of the Administrative Law Judge, you can expect a ruling within thirty days.
Slow & Steady Wins The Race
Due to the length of time it takes to get a Social Security settlement, you need someone who is not just highly experienced in this area of law, but also someone who is patient and can help you understand each step and what it means for your case. My job is to stand up and fight for you each and every day until we reach a conclusion that is absolutely what you deserve and nothing less.