Is Social Security required to make a decision on a disability case in a certain time period?The simple answer to this question is that Social Security Disability and SSI do not have deadline processing goals, but there are no mandates with regard to processing time. Social Security does not have an absolute time period for claims processing, because there are many reasons the decision on a disability claim can be delayed. Claimants themselves cause some case processing delays. For example, if a claimant does not provide necessary information (i.e. activities of daily living questionnaires or work activity forms) timely, or fail to return needed medical release or disability forms, or a correct address and phone (needed so they can be reached to schedule need medical consultative examinations), their disability case will take longer to receive a decision. Additionally, disability claimants cause delays by missing or rescheduling consultative examination appointments. All of these things cause more processing time, thereby extending the time it takes to make a disability decision. There are also delays in case processing that can be attributed to Social Security. Claims representatives are sometimes slow in getting disability claims to state disability agencies. Sometimes state disability agencies (usually known as DDS, or disability determination services, this is where disability examiners work) take more time to make their disability decisions due to dramatically increasing disability caseloads and lack of staffing. Certainly, it is advisable to check on the status of your disability claim periodically to make sure that it is being processed. There is always the chance the disability decision has been made and for some reason you have not received your decisional notice. Currently, the average case processing time for a disability claim decision is about one hundred days, while reconsideration appeals take about sixty days for a decision. Disability cases at the hearing appeal level have the longest processing time because of the wait for a disability hearing. Disability claimants are often waiting a year or more to get their hearings. Disability case processing times have become a public relations issue for Social Security, so they are constantly trying to streamline the disability process so that disability decisions can be made in a more reasonable time period even if the disability case is at the hearing office. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How does a Disability Lawyer or Representative get paid in North Carolina? How long does it take to get a decision on Social Security Disability or SSI? How the Decision on a Disability Application or Appeal is Made How Quickly Is The Disability Claim Decision Made? Is Social Security required to make a decision on a disability case in a certain time period? Social Security evaluates work history when making disability decisions Social Security Disability decisions use two main criteria Disability decisions are based on functional limitations Factors affecting how long a Social Security decision letter takes How Long Will it Take To Get a Disability Decision Letter from Social Security? Avoid delays to reduce how long does it take to get a disability decision Disability attorneys and RFC forms If you apply for disability in Nevada Getting a Disability Lawyer in Nevada |
