How Long will this Disability Application Process Take?

This is probably the number one question that we get at the Abbott Law Office.  It is also one of the most difficult to answer because, quite frankly, we don't know.  Some cases are resolved quickly, while others take months or even years.  Some claimants do not get approved no matter how hard we try. 

I like to express it this way, "You can't get if you don't ask."  Likewise, if Social Security denied the claim, you can't get if you don't appeal.  The government has never decided that it was wrong and come back on its own to award benefits.  We win most of our cases because we stay after them.  We don't give up easily.

How Does the Process Work?

Application

First, you have to file a claim for benefits.  A Disability application can be made in person at your local SSA office, online, or by calling SSA's toll free number.  SSI applications have to be made in writing by competing SSA's paper application.  We can help you with these applications.

Determination

Next, the file is sent to a state agency, called DDS, for a determination.  It is NOT the workers at your local SSA office that decide whether or not you are disabled.  SSA denies about 70% of all initial applications.  If DDS denies your claim, you have 60 days to request what is called "Reconsideration." 

Reconsideration

Reconsideration is just what it sounds like.  It is asking the same people (DDS) who denied your claim to "reconsider."  Guess what.  DDS denies 90% of all reconsiderations.

Hearing

If denied, the claimant has 60 days to request a hearing before a judge.  We win 80% of our hearings before a judge, and we spend a great deal of time preparing a file for presentation to the judge.

Don't Give Up

It can take a great deal of time to get from an initial application to an approval by a judge, but remember, "You can't get if you don't ask."  We find that many of our clients filed applications in the past, but got frustrated or didn't think that they could get approved.  They gave up.  Don't throw your denial away, and don't give up.  No matter where you live, there is hope.  Contact us today, and we can help you get the benefits that you deserve.