How long Social Security takes to decide on your process
After you submit your SSDI process, Social Security sends it to your state's Disability information Services office. That office has your case for the longest part of the wait. Most decisions take between three and six months, though some take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or wants you to see a doctor for an exam.
The exact timing depends on how complete your process is, how quickly your doctors respond to record requests, and how busy the office handling your case happens to be. If you live in a state with a backlog of cases, you may wait toward the longer end of that range. There is no way to speed up the process once your process is in the system.
Key Takeaways
- Most SSDI decisions arrive between three and six months after you submit your process, though some take longer.
- Your state's Disability information Services office, not Social Security's main office, does most of the work and holds your case for most of the wait.
- Social Security may ask you to attend a consultative exam with a doctor they choose, which can add weeks to the timeline.
- Incomplete applications and slow responses from your own doctors can extend the wait beyond six months.
- You can check the status of your process online through your Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What happens to your process during processing
When your process arrives, Social Security forwards it to the Disability information Services office in your state. That office assigns a case worker and a medical consultant to review your file. They read through your medical records, work history, and the information you provided on your process.
If your medical records are already strong and clearly show you cannot work, the decision may come quickly. If the records are thin or unclear, Social Security will send requests to your doctors asking for more details about your condition, treatment history, and what you can and cannot do physically or mentally. Your doctors' offices are often slow to respond to these requests, which is one of the biggest reasons applications take longer than three months.
The medical consultant writes a report summarizing your condition and whether it meets Social Security's definition of disability. The case worker then makes the final decision based on that report, your work history, and your age.
When Social Security asks you to see a doctor
Sometimes Social Security will schedule you for a consultative exam with a doctor they choose and pay for. This happens when your medical records do not give them enough information to make a decision, or when there is a gap in your treatment history. The exam is free to you.
You will receive a notice in the mail telling you when and where to go. If you cannot make that appointment, you can ask for a different date. Missing the appointment without rescheduling can result in a denial, so contact Social Security right away if you have a conflict.
After the exam, the doctor sends a report to Social Security. This usually adds two to four weeks to your wait time. Once Social Security receives the report, the decision typically comes within a few more weeks.
Why some applications take longer than six months
A few situations can push your timeline past six months. If your doctors do not respond to Social Security's records requests within 30 days, Social Security sends a second request. If they still do not respond, Social Security may make a decision based on incomplete information, which can go either way.
If you have a complex medical history, multiple conditions, or if your case involves a condition Social Security scrutinizes more closely (like back pain or mental health conditions), the review takes longer. Cases involving vocational issues—whether you can do other work despite your condition—also tend to take more time because the medical consultant has to write a more detailed report.
If Social Security denies your process and you file an appeal, the timeline resets. Appeals go to a different office and can take one to two years or longer.
Checking the status of your process
You can check your process status online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in and look for "Benefit process Status" or "process Status." The site will tell you whether your process is being reviewed, whether Social Security is waiting for medical records, or whether a decision has been made.
If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you the same information and answer questions about what Social Security is waiting for.
Do not call repeatedly asking for updates. Social Security cannot speed up the process, and frequent calls do not change your timeline. If Social Security is waiting for records from your doctor, calling your doctor's office directly is more useful than calling Social Security again.
What to do while you wait
Keep your contact information current with Social Security. If you move, change your phone number, or change your mailing address, update it right away through your online account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will mail your decision to the address on file, and missing that notice can delay your next steps.
If Social Security requests medical records from your doctor, follow up with your doctor's office after a week or two. Medical offices receive many records requests and yours can get lost in the pile. A quick call asking "Did you receive a request from Social Security?" often speeds things up.
Continue seeing your doctors and keeping records of your treatment. Even though your process is pending, ongoing medical care strengthens your case. If you are denied and appeal, those recent records will matter.
What happens after Social Security makes a decision
Social Security will mail you a notice explaining the decision. If you are approved, the notice will tell you your benefit amount and when payments begin. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
If you are approved, you do not have to do anything else to start receiving benefits. Social Security will set up direct deposit to your bank account unless you request a different payment method. Your first payment usually arrives within one to two months after approval.
If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal. Many people are denied the first time and approved on appeal, so a denial does not mean the end of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?
Yes. Working while your process is pending does not hurt your case, but earning too much money can affect your benefits later if you are approved. If you earn more than about $1,550 per month (the amount changes yearly), Social Security may view you as able to work and deny your process. Keep your earnings modest if possible.
What if my doctor does not respond to Social Security's records request?
Contact your doctor's office and ask them to respond to Social Security. You can also authorize Social Security to get records directly from your doctor by signing a form. If your doctor still does not respond after two requests, Social Security will make a decision based on what it has, which may result in a denial.
Do I have to attend the consultative exam Social Security schedules?
Yes. Missing the exam without rescheduling can result in a denial of your process. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, call Social Security when ready to request a different appointment. If you have a legitimate reason you cannot attend (severe illness, hospitalization), explain it to Social Security in writing.
How do I know if my process was denied or approved?
Social Security mails a formal notice to your address on file. Check your mail regularly. You can also log into your my Social Security account online to see if a decision has been posted. If you have not received a notice after six months, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your status.
Can I call Social Security to ask them to hurry up my decision?
No. Social Security cannot speed up the review process. Calling multiple times does not change your timeline. If you believe Social Security is missing information, ask what they need and help your doctor respond quickly, but the decision itself takes the time it takes.