The approval for obtaining approval for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits varies depending on the specific circumstances of the individual application. The average time frame is seven to eight months, but some applications may take a year or more. This variability is partly due to the fact that the approval procedure is highly complex, with more than half of the applicants receiving denials after submitting their initial applications. For answers to questions such as How long does it take to get Social Security disability approval? schedule a consultation with an experienced Michigan Social Security disability attorney by calling Bruce L. Weider, PC at (734) 485-0535 today.
How Long Does It Take To Get Back Pay From Social Security?
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) explains that there is a mandatory five-month wait period from approval to receiving the first Social Security disability benefit check in almost all cases. There is an exception for those who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS. Those applicants have no waiting period because of the rapid progression of the disease.
The SSA issues retroactive payments for the time between the established onset date, also called the application date, and the date of approval, minus the required five-month waiting period. They send back payments in a lump sum deposit to the individual's bank account approximately 60 days after approval. Sometimes, the SSA concludes the disability onset date was earlier than stated on the application and extends the duration of eligibility for backpay. However, retroactive payments have a maximum allowable term of one year.
What Is the Most Approved Disability for Social Security?
Musculoskeletal system disorders, such as arthritis, spinal osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease, constitute the category of disabilities most regularly approved for Social Security benefits. Symptoms of these disorders often include chronic pain, decreased mobility, and impaired ability to sit or stand for long periods in severe cases. Other impairments and disorders with relatively high approval rates include:
- Mental illness, such as mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
- Cancer, especially for those with stage III cancer or beyond
- Heart or circulatory diseases, such as congenital heart failure and aneurysms
- Chronic respiratory disorders
- Chronic liver disease
- Stroke-related conditions
- Back problems
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Coronary artery disease
These disabilities have high approval rates because the severity of their symptoms is known to make working extremely challenging.
Social Security Compassionate Allowances
Compassionate allowances help the SSA quickly identify medical conditions and disabilities that meet the standards for approval of benefits. Examples of diseases and health conditions that qualify for reduced waiting times and expedited approvals include the following:
- Cancers at stage III or beyond
- Batten disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Lou Gehrig's disease
- Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
- Adult-onset Huntington disease
- Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal Syndrome
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Juvenile-onset Huntington's disease
- Lewy Body Dementia
All of the health conditions meeting the guidelines for processing as compassionate allowances are severely debilitating or terminal illnesses.
Presumptive Disability or Blindness Payments
Claims for Supplemental Security Income SSI for presumptive disabilities or blindness may receive up to six months of benefits while awaiting the Disability Determination Services’ final decision. Disabilities that could qualify include:
- Traumatic amputation of a legal or hip
- Sudden onset of total blindness or deafness
- Disabilities causing complete loss of mobility and restriction to a bed or wheelchair
- Down syndrome
- Terminal illnesses with a life expectancy of six months or less
- Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis or inability to walk without medical equipment
- Symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus HIV
- Lou Gehrig's disease
- End-stage renal disease
- Intellectual disabilities or neurodevelopmental impairments
Approval for presumptive disability or blindness payments depends on the severity of the individual’s condition and not their financial needs.
What Is a Fully Favorable SSDI Decision?
Fully favorable Social Security disability benefits decisions result from an SSA determination that the applicant is disabled, and a consensus on the date of the disability’s emergence. Once a “fully favorable” decision is reached, the SSA will begin processing payments immediately, and the applicant will receive retroactive to the date of disability onset, up to a one-year period. Those receiving a fully favorable decision after the initial application submission for benefits usually start receiving payments the following month.
Partially Favorable Decisions
Partially favorable decisions result from the SSA approving benefits but disagreeing with the applicant’s listed onset date. They may modify the onset date and the amount of retroactive payments. Another example is a closed-period disability, which involves the SSA finding that the disability will only last a certain amount of time.
Notice of Unfavorable Decisions
The SSA may issue notice of unfavorable decisions when they disagree that applicants were disabled during the time listed on the application. Applicants receiving partially favorable or unfavorable decisions have the right to appeal.
Benefits of Legal Representation
Many people seeking approval for Social Security disability benefits submit the initial application independently. However, after receiving denials or partial approvals, working with a knowledgeable disability insurance attorney at Bruce L. Weider, PC, may make it easier for applicants to work toward a favorable outcome.
How long does it take to get Social Security disability? and Who is most likely to receive approval? are common questions among Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants
These individuals may find it helpful to know that the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a study to find the answers. In the process, the agency discovered that applicants who worked with representation –– often but not always an attorney –– saw a significantly higher approval rate than did those who applied and, if necessary, appealed, on their own. In fact, applicants who have the benefit of an advocate supporting them through the Social Security disability application process are almost three times more likely to obtain approval for benefit payments than are those who lack this support, and they also enjoy shorter processing periods from application to approval. While there is still no guarantee of success, and the SSA’s decision will always depend upon the unique circumstances of the specific application, these findings underscore the potential value of navigating the process with advice, guidance, and practical support.
Relying on a Consultative Exam for Proof of Your Disability
Consultative medical exams are not always a requirement during the benefits approval system. When the SSA does request them, the applicant can expect the resultant visit to be similar to any other physical or mental examination conducted to assess health and medical conditions or history. People seeking approval for benefits from the Social Security Administration should gather and organize consistent and transparent medical records to establish the length and severity of the disability.
The consultative exam is insufficient to use as the primary source of medical evidence of the health condition. However, the exam outcome could help the case by supporting other documentation and records submitted as evidence with the application.
Speak to a Qualified Social Security Benefits Attorney Today
The steps and procedures to submit applications and receive approval for Social Security disability benefits can easily be time-consuming and stressful. Unfortunately, there is no standard answer for questions like, How long does it take to get Social Security disability?
More than half of the initial applications are denied yearly, and submitting second or third applications is typical. Each application process can vary significantly depending on the individual's unique circumstances, including the cause and type of disability and severity of the symptoms. To discuss your case and schedule an appointment with an experienced Michigan Social Security disability lawyer, call Bruce L. Weider, PC, at (734) 485-0535 today.
