How Long Does it Take to Receive Disability Benefits?

Many people across America rely on the Social Security program in order to be financially stable in the wake of a disability that inhibits them from working. Thankfully, the Social Security Disability (SSDI) was designed with exactly that purpose in mind. If you are considering applying for SSDI benefits, or if you have already and have been waiting to hear back, you are likely wondering how long it takes to receive disability benefits.

If you are still at the application stage, the timetable unfortunately isn’t quick. Most applications to Social Security don’t receive an answer until about 12 weeks after the application is submitted. That being said, if there are no complications or additional investigation that needs to be done, it can be ready quicker. This is one reason it is so important to fill out all application paperwork properly the first time, so as to expedite the process.

If you have been approved for benefits, you typically only need to wait about a month or two in order to receive your first check. Under certain circumstances, it is possible to collect benefits during the months that you were waiting for the application to go through. This is known as back pay and while not everyone is eligible for it, it can be a boon to help offset the potentially long wait from the application and the financial burden that it may have caused.

If you have been denied benefits by the Social Security Administration, there is still hope in receiving benefits through the appeal process. The process for this can take weeks or months, but it is much quicker and easier if you have an attorney on your side that can help you navigate the process and help ensure that you win your appeal. To learn about how we at the Franco Law Firm can help you win the SSDI benefits that you deserve and to schedule a free consultation with us, please call us at (813) 872-0929.