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The Social Security Disability Claim Timeline

When you are unable to work because of a mental or physical disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are supposed to be there as financial safety nets. However, the application process is a lot more complicated and lengthy than people realize.

At Johnson Law Firm LLC, we put more than 35 years of legal experience into every claim, assisting disabled New Jersey residents in and around Freehold with their SSDI and SSI claims. Our attorney can help you understand what to expect – and what you can do to make the process smoother and faster.

How Long Will Your New Jersey Social Security Disability Claim Take?

Unless you qualify for an “expedited” claim due to rare exceptions for certain (usually terminal) conditions, you can expect to wait an average of seven months for your initial decision. Here’s what happens during that time:

  • Your initial application is filed either online, over the phone or in one of SSA’s offices.
  • Your claim is sent to the state’s Disability Determination Services for development.
  • Your medical information will be requested from your doctors, clinics and hospitals.
  • You will be asked to provide additional information about your limitations and daily activities, your education and training, and your work history.
  • You may be asked to attend one or more consultative exams with an independent physician to clarify information in your claim or fill in gaps in your records.

Once all that is complete, your claim may or may not be approved. Currently, about two-thirds of initial applications are denied the first time.

If that happens, you can and should file a reconsideration, which is a first-stage appeal. This process is very similar to the initial claim and takes around seven months. If your claim is denied again, however, you must file for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). Because of staffing issues and backlogs, the average wait for a hearing is around 15 months – although longer is possible.

Get Help With The Disability Benefits Process Timeline

One of the only real ways to improve the timeline for an SSDI or SSI claim is to get experienced legal assistance with your initial claim or appeal from a knowledgeable disability lawyer. We can effectively present your claim, which can often shorten the process and eliminate unnecessary denials. Call us at 732-333-8751 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.