How Long Will My Case Take?
Anyone who has dealt with a bureaucracy, whether getting a driver's license or appealing a property tax assessment, knows that governmental entities are rarely fully staffed and they are generally overburdened with requests.
The general process for Social Security disability applications includes: the initial application, a request for reconsideration (in many states other than Pennsylvania), an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing, and possibly an Appeals Council hearing or federal court appeal.
It could take several months to a year or longer to qualify for disability benefits. This is all the more reason to hire an attorney to make sure the application is the best it can be, and that it avoids mistakes. It may even be possible to expedite your case. Don't pass up an opportunity you may not even know of. Talk to one of us before you apply.
Among the factors determining how long your case will take are:
- The nature of your medical impairment(s) and the severity of your condition(s)
- The state in which you live
- The caseload of the state agency or hearing office deciding your case
- The judge in your case (if a hearing is necessary)
- How long it takes to obtain your medical records
The Right Attorney
More important than understanding the process and having a reasonable expectation of the timeline is hiring the right attorney.
There are ways to expedite your case. Among these are filing "dire need" cases where the applicant has no means of support, or requires emergency life-saving surgery. There are disabilities that are so obviously deserving of benefits that a "compassionate allowance" is granted. A law firm with a limited caseload, like our firm, can pay closer attention to your case. We are determined to win your case at the earliest possible date and we often succeed at expediting favorable decisions.
Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience. We have won disability benefits for more than 90% of the clients we have represented. Our attorneys are always up-to-date on any changes in the law or procedures.
For more information or to schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation with a trusted SSDI and SSI disability lawyer serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region, please contact us by e-mail or call us toll free at 866-498-9387.
