How Long It Takes to Get Social Security Disability Benefits

When Can I Expect a Decision after Applying for Disability?

So, how long does it take to receive disability benefits?

Every individual case is different, but here’s a general idea of how it often goes for people in Wisconsin:

• Initial Application: 4–5 months to get a decision
• Reconsideration of a Benefits Denial: 3–4 months for a ruling
• Getting a Disability Hearing with a Judge: 9 months
• Appealing a Denial to Higher Levels: More than a year after your last denial

The reality of the disability benefits program is that most people get denied benefits when they first apply.

Then you can appeal the decision, but that process stretches out longer.

But don’t give up!

It’s often when you appeal that you finally win benefits and can rest easier about your financial situation.

And when you’re approved for benefits, Social Security will award you a lump sum for back pay covering the time that you spent waiting, adding to you relief.

To get an idea of what it’s going to take for you to get disability benefits, you can get a claim evaluation from Geary Disability Law, at no cost to you.

What’s Involved in a Social Security Disability Case?

When you look at all the details you must submit—and that Social Security must review—you can start to see why it takes time to get through the process.

You’ll need:

• Medical Evidence: Reports from doctors, tests and more
• Past Job Details: Descriptions of the positions you’ve held and the demands of each job
• Education: What your training says you’re qualified to do
• Age: Your likelihood of changing to a new job
• Financial Profile: Your most recent earnings
• Personal Statements: Accounts from people who know you about how you function daily
• Forms: The paperwork that makes it all official

An application that’s complete, correct and compelling is your best path to winning benefits as soon as possible.

If you’re denied, you also have to stay on top of deadlines: From the date you receive your denial notice, you have 60 days to start your appeal.

One of the issues with Social Security is that they’ve long had big backlogs of cases waiting for disability hearings with administrative law judges.

But you can have someone capable and caring by your side through this process: Tim Geary and the legal team at Geary Disability Law.

We’ll keep you updated and informed about the status of your claim.

The wait is difficult, but it’s also worth it when you get crucial financial relief.

You pay no attorney fee until you win benefits.