How long does it take to hear an answer after filing for disability?There are instances in which processing of an SSD or SSI claim; conversely, the wait for medical records usually accounts for the greatest amount of processing time on a disability claim. Typically, and unfortunately, most disability claims are not resolved quickly. While initial claims, or disability applications are often decided in less than 90 to 120 days, they can also take longer than six months to receive a decision. How long it takes after filing for disability will depend on a variety of factors. When it takes longer to receive a decision on a claim, however, it is generally due to one of the following reasons, or a combination of them: 1. The medical records were difficult to obtain. Sometimes, this is because the medical treatment facility simply did not respond to repeated requests for the records, and sometimes this may be due to the fact that a medical treatment source has either relocated, or is no longer in operation. 2. The claimant was scheduled by the social security administration to go to several consultative examinations. Consultative examinations are usually required when a claimant has not been seen by a doctor for quite some time and usually a claimant will be sent to one or two such examinations at most (typically, a physical examination and a mental consultative exam, such as an intelligence test or a mental status exam). However, there are cases in which claimants are sent to multiple exams. This can be because delays on a case have caused the report issued from the consultative exam to become "aged" (older than 60 days), but it can also be because the report findings are not viewed as valid (in the case of intelligence testing, it may be that the claimant was not considered to have given their best effort, thus calling into question the validity of the test results). 3. The claimant may have failed repeatedly to respond to inquiries for information by either the social security office or by a disability examiner. Inquiries for information can include letters sent to a claimant requesting that the claimant contact the disability examiner working on the case. It can also include failures on the part of the claimant to return certain questionnaires or attend a scheduled examination appointment. 4. The disability examiner simply has a heavy caseload and the processing of cases is suffering as a result. 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: Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in North Carolina? Does social security contact your former work employers when you file for disability? Can You File For Disability While Receiving Unemployment? When should you File for Disability benefits with the social security administration? Do You Have To Be Out Of Work For A Long Time Before You Can File For Disability? Filing for Disability Online or over the phone Who Do I Contact To File For Disability Benefits from the Social Security Administration? How long does it take to hear an answer after filing for disability? You can file for disability for a mental disorder or problem if it interferes with SGA If You File For Social Security Disability How Far Back Will They Look At Your Medical Records? What if you Move out of State after you apply for Social Security Disability or SSI? When should you apply for Social Security Disability? What Happens When You File an SSI or Social Security Disability Application? If approved at a disability hearing, when do you get a letter or check? Will I qualify for disability Benefits in New York Getting a Disability Lawyer in New York How do Disability Lawyers in New York get paid their fees? |
