The waiting period begins once your process reaches Social Security

Once an process for SSDI is filed, there is a waiting period before you hear back. Social Security does not process applications when ready. The time between when you submit your process and when you receive a decision typically ranges from three to six months, though some cases take longer depending on how complete your process is and how busy your local office is.

During this waiting period, Social Security reviews your medical records, work history, and the information you provided on your process. They may request additional documents from you or from your doctors. Your job during this time is to respond quickly to any requests and keep your contact information current with Social Security.

You can check the status of your process online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. Checking online is usually the fastest way to see if anything new has happened with your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Most SSDI decisions take three to six months from the date you file, though some cases take longer.
  • Social Security will contact you if they need more information, so respond to any requests as soon as you can.
  • You can track your process status through your my Social Security account online without calling.
  • If your process is denied, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with new medical evidence have better outcomes.

What Social Security does with your process

After you file, a claims examiner at your local Social Security office is assigned to your case. This person gathers your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed on your process. They also obtain your complete work history from Social Security's records. If you worked outside the United States or had gaps in your work history, this step can take longer.

Social Security sends your medical records and work history to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. This is a separate agency that works with Social Security to make the medical decision about whether your condition meets the definition of disability. The DDS office has doctors and other medical professionals who review your case, though they do not examine you in person.

The DDS office looks at whether your medical condition is severe enough to prevent you from working and whether it is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. They compare your condition to Social Security's list of conditions that automatically may have access to for benefits, called the Blue Book. If your condition is not on the list, they assess whether your symptoms and limitations are equally severe.

When Social Security asks for more information

During the review, Social Security or the DDS office may send you a letter asking for additional medical records, test results, or information about your work history. They might ask you to see a doctor for an examination they will pay for, called a consultative examination. This is not a sign that your process is being denied—it means they need more details to make a decision.

If you receive a request for information, respond within the important date stated in the letter, which is usually 10 days. If you cannot meet that important date, call Social Security and ask for more time. Delays in responding can slow down your case significantly. Keep copies of everything you send to Social Security.

If Social Security cannot reach you or you do not respond to requests, they may deny your process for not providing necessary information. You can appeal this type of denial and resubmit the missing documents.

Understanding the three possible outcomes

After Social Security and the DDS office complete their review, you will receive one of three decisions: approval, denial, or approval at a different benefit level than you expected.

Approval means Social Security has determined that your condition meets the definition of disability. You will receive a letter stating your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. SSDI payments typically start the month after you are approved, though the exact timing depends on when your disability is determined to have begun.

Denial means Social Security found that your medical condition does not meet their definition of disability, or that you do not have enough work credits to be insured for SSDI. The letter will explain the reason for the denial. You have the right to appeal this decision.

Sometimes Social Security approves you for a different program or a different benefit amount than you expected. For example, you might be approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of SSDI, or approved for SSDI but at a lower amount based on your work history. The letter will explain what you were approved for and why.

What to do if your process is denied

If you receive a denial letter, you have 60 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. This important date is firm—if you miss it, you will have to file a new process from the start. If you think you might miss the important date, contact Social Security when ready and ask them to extend it.

There are four levels of appeal. The first is called reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your entire case from the beginning. You can submit new medical records, new test results, or new information about your work history at this stage. Many people who appeal with updated medical evidence have better outcomes on reconsideration than they did on the initial process.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people find it helpful to have a representative—either a lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate—at this stage. The hearing usually takes place several months after you request it.

If the ALJ denies your case, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and if that is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. Most people who reach the hearing stage with strong medical evidence are approved.

Continuing to work while you wait

You can continue working while your process is being reviewed. If you are approved for SSDI, your benefits will be calculated based on your earnings record up to the month you are approved. Working does not hurt your chances of being approved.

However, if you are working and earning substantial income, Social Security may determine that you are not disabled because you are able to work. The threshold for "substantial gainful activity" changes each year, but in 2024 it is $1,550 per month. If you earn more than this amount, Social Security may conclude you are not disabled, even if you have a serious medical condition.

If you are approved for SSDI and continue working, you can earn up to a certain amount without losing benefits during your first nine months of work. After that, there are limits on how much you can earn. These limits are called the Trial Work Period and the Extended Period of may be able to access. Social Security will explain these rules if you are approved.

How to stay in contact with Social Security

Keep your address and phone number current with Social Security. If you move, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to update your information. Social Security will mail important letters to the address on file, and if they cannot reach you, your case may be delayed or denied.

If you have a representative helping you with your process, Social Security will send some correspondence to them instead of to you. Make sure your representative has your current contact information as well.

Do not ignore letters from Social Security, even if they seem routine. Some letters are requests for information that require a response within a specific timeframe. Others are notifications about your case status. If you are unsure what a letter means, call Social Security and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while waiting for my SSDI decision?

Yes, you can work while your process is being reviewed. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit for substantial gainful activity), Social Security may deny your process based on the belief that you are able to work. Keep records of your earnings and any work limitations you have.

What if I move during the process process?

Contact Social Security when ready with your new address. You can update it online through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local office. If Social Security cannot reach you, your case may be delayed or denied.

How long does reconsideration take?

Reconsideration typically takes three to six months, similar to the initial process review. The timeline depends on how busy your state's DDS office is and whether you submit additional medical records. Submitting new evidence can sometimes speed up the process if it clearly supports your case.

Do I need a lawyer to appeal my denial?

You do not need a lawyer, but many people find representation helpful, especially at the hearing stage. Lawyers and non-lawyer representatives can charge a fee only if you win your case, and the fee is limited by law. You can find representatives through your state's protection and advocacy organization or through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives.

What happens if I get approved but disagree with my benefit amount?

Your benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings record. If you believe the amount is wrong, contact Social Security and ask them to review your earnings record. Errors in recorded earnings are sometimes found and corrected, which can increase your benefit amount.