SSDI & SSI Filing Deadlines

Social Security Disability Help Center

Did you know?

If a claimant receives a notice of denial after an initial claim has been filed, the claimant had only 60 days to submit a request for hearing before an Administrative Law Judge to file an appeal.

Filing your Initial Application

When should you file a Disability claim? Now!

Every wasted day is one more day before you receive any payment.

Processing an initial Social Security Disability claim should take 1-6 months if all required documentation is provided. When a claim is denied by Social Security Administration and appeals are filed, the SSDI claim process can take longer.

Filing for Social Security Benefits may take some time.

The amount of time that it takes depends on how quickly all the necessary evidence can be obtained. The average time between the date of application and the first decision is just over 180 days, but this can vary greatly depending upon how many sources the Disability Determination Service (DDS) needs to contact and how quickly they respond.
You can help by supplying information as quickly as possible whenever DDS asks for it. It will also help if you tell DDS right away about things like a change in your address or a change in the treatment for your condition.

If an initial claim has been filed with Social Security and has been denied there is an appeal deadline.

Appeal Deadline

If a claimant receives a notice of denial after an initial claim has been filed, the claimant has 60 days to submit a request for reconsideration . If a claimant receives a notice of denial after reconsideration has been submitted, the claimant has 60 days to submit a request for hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Appeals should always be filed timely, before the appeal period expires.

A failure to appeal in a timely manner will result in having to start over at the very beginning, i.e. filing a brand new claim. That is, of course, unless a claimant can demonstrate "good cause" for appealing after the deadline has passed.

Reasons falling under the good cause umbrella usually include illness, hospitalization, comprehension problems due to mental infirmity, or other circumstances beyond a claimant's control.

When a claim is denied by Social Security:

The Social Security Administration holds a hearing where witnesses are called. The decision may be reached at the hearing. A letter is sent to you with the results of the hearing.

If you are denied disability again at the hearing, you can ask for a review.
If the Appeals Council does accept your case, it can decide the case or pass it to another Administrative Law Judge to decide.
If the Appeals Council or Administrative Law Judge denies your claim again, or if they refuse to review it, you can file a claim against the Social Security Administration in Federal Court.

Do I Need Professional Help?

Hiring a professional SSDI & SSI representative will reduce the processing time.
Having a professional work for you will increase your chances of winning the benefits you deserve.

Be sure the professional you choose specializes in Social Security Disability cases. That will insure that he or she has contacts within the "government" that will condense this timely process. smooth out the process.

Always consult with an experienced social security disability professional when you need help getting your disability benefits!

Click here for your FREE CONSULTATION!

Jacoby & Meyers Social Security Disability Help Center

(Available 8 AM - 5 PM PST) 1-800-411-4LAW

Jacoby

Jacoby & Meyers has offices and attorneys throughout the United States, with regional offices in Southern California, and New York.