Understanding the Social Security Disability Timeline: What to Expect at Each Step

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a long and confusing process, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Below is a breakdown of each step in the claims process, how long it usually takes, and what your responsibilities are along the way. 

Please note: These figures are rough estimates based on the current trends observed by our office, ManleyReynolds, PLLC. They do not constitute legal advice or recommendations. If you speak with our office directly, the information provided may vary depending on the specifics of your situation. These estimates reflect general observations by our attorneys and should not be interpreted as guarantees or expectations.

Step 1: The Initial Application

The first step in applying for disability benefits is submitting your application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). As of March 5, 2024, SSA reports that it typically takes 6 to 8 months for an initial application to be processed.

However, this timeline can vary depending on, among other things:

• The type of disability

• How quickly medical records are obtained

• How quickly you return required forms

  
  

Important: The processing clock doesn’t start until your file is sent from the SSA field office to Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Before that happens, your application must be complete. This means:

• You’ve signed your application

• You’ve submitted a work history report

• You’ve signed the SSA-827 (medical release form)

• The field office has no additional questions

Once the file reaches DDS, that agency is responsible for:

• Gathering your medical records

• Sending additional questionnaires (if needed)

• Scheduling consultative exams (if needed)

• Making a decision to approve or deny your claim

  
  

What We've Seen:

In our experience, most initial applications are completed in 3 to 6 months. However, regardless of how long it takes, most initial applications are denied.g consultative exams.

Step 2: Reconsideration After a Denial

If your initial claim is denied, you have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration.

This step involves a second review by DDS and typically takes 6 to 9 months, although it depends on, among other things:

• How quickly you submit the required forms

• How fast the doctor/hospitals respond to medical records requests

• Any follow-up questions from DDS

In our office, we’ve seen reconsiderations processed in 2 to 6 months once the required paperwork is submitted. That said, some cases have taken 11 months or more.

Important Note:

Most claims are also denied at the reconsideration stage.

Step 3: Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If you’re denied again at reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You must do so within 60 days of the date on your Reconsideration denial letter.

Timeline and Process:

• Wait time for a hearing: This depends on the local hearings office. In Michigan, it typically takes 6 to 9 months for a hearing to be scheduled.

• Advance notice: You’ll receive at least 75 days’ notice before the hearing date.

• After the hearing: Most ALJs issue a decision within 5 months, although this can be delayed if:

  • Additional medical records are needed

  • The judge allows extra time to gather them

After the ALJ Decision:

If the ALJ finds you disabled, benefits may begin within 2 to 4 months; but this depends on your type of claim.

For SSI claims:

• Payments and back pay are processed through the field office.

• They’ll contact you to review your assets, which affect your monthly payments.

• Back pay is typically issued in three installments, six months apart.

• Any SSI payments you haven’t spent within six months count as assets, which could affect future eligibility.

For SSD (Social Security Disability) claims:

• SSA usually won’t contact you directly.

• You should call your local field office to confirm your direct deposit details.

• Back pay is issued in a lump sum, but payment processing can take 6 months or more.

If you receive both SSI and SSD:

• The SSI asset limit still applies.

• You may experience overpayment, especially if SSI starts before SSD is awarded.

• Hold onto any SSI funds until SSA confirms whether there’s an overpayment.

If the judge finds you not disabled, you have 60 days from the date on the Unfavorable Decision appeal to the Appeals Council.

Step 4: The Appeals Council

At this level, the Appeals Council does not reconsider your medical evidence or decide your case again. Instead, it reviews whether the judge followed the law and whether their decision is supported by the medical record. 

Even if the medical supports a finding of disability, the Appeals Council cannot overturn the Judge’s decision, just because they could reach a different one, there has to be either a finding the law was not followed or the decision of the ALJ is not supported by evidence.

• Timeline: Reviews take 12 to 18 months

• No new forms or evidence are required

• The Council can:

  • Uphold the denial

  • Send the case back for another hearing

  • Rarely, approve your claim

Step 5: Federal Court Review

If the Appeals Council denies your request, your final option is to file a lawsuit in federal court; you must do this within 60 days of the denial.

• Timeline: Cases take 1 to 2 years

• No new evidence is submitted

• The court reviews whether SSA followed the law and whether the medical record supported the denial

• Here, again, the Federal Court cannot overturn the Judge’s decision, just because the record supports a different finding than what the ALJ decided

If the court remands (returns) the case, you’ll go back to the hearing stage, with a timeline similar to the first ALJ request.

Total Expected Timeline (Michigan)

From initial application to a hearing before a judge, the process averages about 23 months in Michigan. However, this varies depending on the specific facts of your case, medical history, how quickly paperwork is returned, and which hearing office and ALJ is assigned to the claim.

Questions?

Navigating Social Security Disability can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions about the expectations, are unsure where to start, have been denied benefits, or just need honest answers, we’re here to help.

📧 Email: attorneyvicki@getssdi.org 

📞 Phone: (833) 438-7734 

🌐 Website: www.getssdi.org

Reach out today. We’re ready to listen and guide you every step of the way.