Wednesday, August 15, 2012

How Long Must I Wait For My Social Security Disability Decision?

In 95% of all social security disability claims, benefits can be awarded in one of three phases of the application process; Initial Application, Reconsideration or ODAR (Office of Decision And Review) Hearing. 


If you received a favorable decision on your initial application or reconsideration, congratulations, your benefits will start as soon as the paperwork is processed.   You back benefits will likely be paid in a lump sum and your benefits will probably start within 30-90 days, assuming that you have completed the 5 month elimination period.

If your claim went through a hearing with an ALJ, you may have to wait longer.  Many ALJ’s in the Minneapolis and out state Social Security hearing offices take about 1-3 months to issue their written decisions.  When the decision is favorable, the claim file is then sent to the payment processing center, where it can take another 1-3 months for current benefits to start.
In some situations, Social Security issues current monthly benefits, but not the back payments.  This is because they need to investigate if you received any Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Social Security does not have any specific rules on when they will pay you after being approved, but if you have not received your benefits 60 days after your hearing, give your attorney or the local ODAR office a telephone call.

If you are currently in the process of applying for Social Security Disability, please contact Minnesota Disability and Atkinson Law Office today for a FREE no obligation appointment.  There is NEVER a fee paid directly by you for representation.  Any fees will be paid from a small portion of the PAST benefits recovered.  Call today 651-333-3636