How Long Does it Take to Get Social Security Disability?

 Posted on September 11, 2024 in Social Security Disability

People who need Social Security Disability usually need it somewhat urgently. If you were not always disabled, but lost your ability to work due to a serious accident, new onset illness, or traumatic event, you probably did not have the luxury of enough notice to start the process well before you actually needed the money. Few people have the personal savings needed to stay afloat for years while fighting with the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, for some people, years can go by between the time they first file a claim and the time they see their first payments. A Dallas, TX SSDI attorney can help you get through the claims process as quickly as possible.

Why Does it Take So Long to Get SSDI Payments? 

The process of applying for disability can be frustrating. It is almost never as simple as submitting a few forms along with proof of your disability, getting approved, and getting your first check. Most people will encounter a few hurdles during the application process. Common reasons the SSDI application process gets delayed include: 

• Wrongfully denied claims - Sadly, most people who need SSDI will have their first application denied and will need to go through the appeals process. Even if your inability to work due to your disability should be obvious, you are likely to face resistance from the SSA. 
• Waiting to see an SSA doctor - It is common for the SSA to demand that applicants see a specific doctor employed by the administration. The wait time to see an approved doctor might be long. Then, that doctor may order more tests, or require you to complete certain treatments, like physical therapy, to see if your ability to work can be restored. This can be immensely frustrating for patients who have already tried everything to get better. 
• Having to prove you cannot work the job the SSA suggests - Although the SSA did finally remove a series of obsolete job titles, such as "nut sorter" and "microfilm processor" from its master list of jobs applicants must prove they cannot perform before being awarded SSDI, applicants are still frequently denied because the SSA believes it has found a particular job the applicant could succeed in. The suggested jobs are often impractical to obtain. 

Contact a Dallas County, TX SSDI Attorney

The Law Offices of Coats & Todd is committed to helping applicants obtain their SSDI benefits in the shortest amount of time possible. Our team of Dallas, TX SSDI lawyers have more than 60 years of combined experience. Contact us at 972-671-9922 for a free consultation.