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Applying for disability can be extremely challenging. The stress that can result from the process can add to your emotions, and elevate levels of stress and anxiety. A disability lawyer may be able to alleviate much of this burden, and help you to get your benefits faster. That said, you might wonder how long it will take to get approved for disability. There is no short answer to this question. There are many things that can impact the length of time it will take to get your disability benefits. Some people might be approved in a month or two. Others could be waiting for one or two years, or more. 

Now that you know there is no set answer to how long it will take to get approved for disability payments, you might then wonder what the average is. As a disability lawyer might explain to you, there is not an answer to this either! Some people may be approved in a short time, such as one month. Others may be waiting a lot longer. 

Factors that May Contribute to the Length of Time

There are many factors that can contribute to the length of time it will take to get disability payments. One of the first factors is how fast you get a response to your application. This response will likely be one of three things: approved, denied, or more information is needed. 

An initial claim will take 30 to 90 days to process. If the system is backed up, because of government delays or other issues, this time could be longer. If you are approved right away, you might begin receiving payments within 90 days. If your application is not approved, as is the case for around 60% of applicants, you will need to appeal the decision. When this happens, you can expect a delay in getting your benefits. 

Another factor that can impact your benefits is medical records. You will need to send in your records to the SSA. If your doctors are slow to do this, the process will take longer. A disability lawyer can help you to get your records on your own so you don’t have to rely on busy medical professionals. 

In the event that not enough medical evidence was sent, or presented in your records, you will be asked to meet with a doctor who works with the SSA. If this should happen, you can likely expect significant delays. It could take weeks or months to get an appointment – especially with the Covid-19 situation. As soon as you have an appointment, you should keep this, arrive early, and thoroughly review all your symptoms with the doctor. 

Finally, some states process applications faster than others. If you are applying for disability benefits in a state that is backed up, you will have to wait longer.

How to Get Approved Faster for Disability Benefits

There are a few things you can do to decrease the waiting time, and get your disability benefits faster. 

• Provide all of your medical evidence
• Include all of your treating doctors on the application
• Collect and include any letters from your doctors
• Monitor the progress of your claim

Consider Hiring a Disability Lawyer

A disability lawyer will understand the rules and regulations of the SSA and knows how to file claims. They can assist you in gathering the necessary documents, and submit everything in a timely manner. If you would like to know more about how a disability lawyer, like from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, can help you, call a law firm.