HOW LONG SHOULD I  EXPECT TO  WAIT  FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

In most states, there is a three tiered process for Social Security Disability.  First, you have the initial application when the application for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSD (Social Security Disability) or both is completed.  After the initial application, a file is compiled and an initial decision is made.  This can often take several months.  If the initial determination results in a denial, a reconsideration may be requested to appeal the initial denial.  This could also take a few months before a determination is rendered on the reconsideration.  If one is unsuccessful at the reconsideration determination, a request can be made for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.  Unfortunately, due to a huge "backlog" in many areas, claims can have an average waiting period before going to hearing of a year and a half or more.  Very few hearing offices process hearings in less than one year.

When offices are backlogged, such as the St. Louis, Missouri ODAR Office, often Judges from other ODAR Offices located in other states will hear some of the cases.  Most recently the Judges hearing the cases in the St. Louis, Missouri ODAR Office, besides the resident Judges, were from Denver Colorado, Sacramento California and Chicago, Illinois.

For many of our clients, we can get their documentation compiled in a concise format and get a decision earlier by having an On-The-Record Decision granted prior to a formal hearing.

At Drummond Law, LLC, we understand how important your Social Security benefits are and how hard it is to wait with no money coming in.

If you have questions or would like a free consultation, do not hesitate to call Drummond Law, LLC. at 1-800-842-0426.