Quick Roadmap of the Social Security Disability Claim Process

In my practice as a Social Security Disability Lawyer clients often request that I provide them with a quick overview of the process and a rough estimate of how long each step will take.  This roadmap shows the steps that an applicant must follow in order to win Social Security Disability.   Please be aware that the time that each step takes is merely an estimate.

Step	Timing(from beginning of each stage)
1. Initial Application for SSDI All correct application forms and supporting medical evidence is filed with Social Security.	An initial decision granting or denying benefits takes approximately six months.
2. Reconsideration If denied, a Request for Reconsideration must be made within 60 days. Usually, additional medical is presented at this step.	A Reconsideration decision takes from 45 days to six months from the time that a Social Security Disability Lawyer or the Claimant makes the request.
3. Hearing If a claim is denied after Reconsideration, a Request for a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge must be made within 60 days.	It takes 24 months or more for an individual case to reach a Hearing in a Social Security Disability case.
4. Hearing Decision	You will receive a Hearing decision between two and eight months after the date of your Hearing.
5. Appeals Council If a claim is denied after a Hearing, an appeal can be filed with the SSA’s Appeals Council.	An appeal will take from six to 16 months following filing for a decision.
6. Federal Court Appeal If an appeal is denied, a request for review by the Federal Court must be made within 60 days.	A Federal Court case takes from 18 to 30 months after filing.

Law Office of                                                     

Iván A. Ramos, LLC                              

Connecticut and Massachusetts Social Security Lawyers

SSI & SSDI