Dear Atticus,
I’m dealing with autoimmune issues that keep me out of work right now. I applied for disability benefits in May and 6 months later I’ve still heard nothing! I know it can take a while but this process is so draining. I’m struggling to pay my bills, and I’m trying to hold down another job to make ends meet. How long does it usually take to get disability benefits? And if I get rejected, how quickly can I apply for reconsideration?
Sincerely, Waiting and Wondering
Dear Waiting and Wondering,
Waiting is one of the hardest things in life and unfortunately the disability program requires a lot of it. As a lawyer, that’s why I always say patience is one of my finest attributes.
On average, it takes claimants between 2 and 2.5 years to start receiving disability benefits after submitting their application. You will hear back from the Social Security Administration (SSA) sooner than that about your initial application, but unfortunately about 71% get rejected. This requires you to file for reconsideration, extending the waiting period for benefits.
Let’s look at the timeline to understand why it could take you 2.5 years to get SSDI (though waiting periods can vary by state):
The good news is that when you do get approved, you’ll get your first SSDI payment within 60 days. Your first benefits check includes all your back pay. This is retroactive pay for benefits you would have received if your application was approved sooner. Back pay only starts with the sixth month after you filed for disability. So if it takes 24 months to receive approval, you’ll receive a check that includes 18 months of back pay.
After your first disability check, payments are made the month after each month that you’re eligible. For example, you’ll receive your June benefits in July. The day of that month that you receive payment varies based on your birthday. (Learn more about SSDI payment schedules for 2022 and 2023.)
While you can’t change the pace of the system, there are a few things you can do to ensure your application goes as seamlessly as it can:
Now, Waiting and Wondering, I want to mention one more thing. It is possible to file for ‘Dire Need’ status, which will move your case up the line. Dire Need means claimants are in a position of lacking food, medicine, medical care, or adequate shelter, and don’t have the resources to obtain these things. When working with a lawyer, be sure to tell them if you meet any of these qualifications, and they can work with the SSA to potentially fast-track your case.
At Atticus, we’re on your side. We provide free legal counsel and connect you with a lawyer to help you get the benefits you deserve, as quickly as possible. Get started here with our 2-minute intake quiz.
All the best,
Atticus
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
Sydney Hershenhorn
Attorney
At the bottom of many websites, you'll find a small disclaimer: "We are not a law firm and are not qualified to give legal advice." If you see this, run the other way. These people can't help you: they're prohibited by law from giving meaningful advice, recommending specific lawyers, or even telling you whether you need a lawyer at all.
There’s no disclaimer here: Atticus is a law firm, and we are qualified to give legal advice. We can answer your most pressing questions, make clear recommendations, and search far and wide to find the right lawyer for you.
Two important things to note: If we give you legal advice, it will be through a lawyer on our staff communicating with you directly. (Don't make important decisions about your case based solely on this or any other website.) And if we take you on as a client, it will be through a document you sign. (No attorney-client relationship arises from using this site or calling us.)
Terms | Privacy | Disclaimer