What is the Average Review Time for a Social Security Disability Application?

Q: Can the outcome of a social security disability case be affected by the employment record of an applicant?
A: Yes, work history is a factor for all disability claims. Social security disability benefits are awarded not simply based on an injury, but also on the employment activities a person could be engaged in with the injury. The case manager is interested in your work history to determine if you are able to still perform jobs you have had before. In addition, your work history will also help the examiner for your case know if you can perform other types of work. A social security disability claims examiner uses standard medical vocational principles when evaluating an application. When determining if a person can perform a work function, the examiner will look at the functional and physical limits of the injury, how old a person is and his education. The medical vocational grid aids the examiner in establishing whether an applicant can perform a job he has had previously or other work. The guidelines are a tool and are not perfect. The grid alone cannot be used for determination of social security disability benefits. The claims manager will still need to use some common sense and subjectivity to determine if a person can perform work. Your work history is a significant factor to your case.
Q: What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

A: SSDI and SSI are disability benefits, but they are quite different in their requirements. An individual qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if he has earned the minimum amount of credits through his work history by contributing to social security through his taxable earnings. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is awarded based on financial need. An individual does not need to have worked enough to have accumulated work credits to be awarded SSI.
Q: What is the average wait for an initial claim to be processed?
A: For applications that are complete and filed appropriately, the usual turnaround time for the initial review process is 3 or 4 months. The most common reason an application is delayed is due to a wait for medical records. Assuring that your claims representative has all the required information is key to avoiding delays. If your application was denied social security disability benefits after the first review step, your next steps would be filing for reconsideration and, eventually, an appeal for a hearing. Having a case reconsidered and heard before an administrative judge will make your claim take even longer. Many cases have been in the process for 2 years by the time they are heard.

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