How Long Does It Take to Get Disability Benefits Approved?

If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be experiencing considerable financial stress, and that’s understandable. The good news, however, is that depending upon your circumstances, you may be able to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration or other sources. Let’s take a closer look at the types of benefits that may be available and how long the application and approval process may take.

What Types of Benefits May Be Available?

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of your disability, a variety of types of disability benefits may be available to you. These may include:

• Short and long-term disability benefits provided by your employer
• Workers’ compensation benefits
• Veterans’ benefits
• Disability benefits through a privately obtained insurance policy.
• Other types of benefits, depending on your circumstances.

In addition to these benefits, many people apply for another type of disability benefit: Social Security disability benefits.

• Social Security Disability Insurance: Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI benefits, for short, are benefits that the Social Security Administration provides to individuals with a disabling medical condition that has rendered them unable to work for one continuous calendar year or more, and who are “insured.” To be considered “insured” by the Social Security Administration, an applicant must have worked at a job for a sufficient length of time and regularly paid a portion of their salary as employment taxes into the Social Security system.
• Supplemental Security Income: As with SSDI benefits, in order to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, an applicant must have a disabling medical condition that has caused them to be unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more. Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, however, an applicant need not be “insured.” They do, however, need to have income and resources below a certain annual limit established by the Social Security Administration in order to seek these benefits.

Depending on your circumstances, you may want to seek one or both of these types of benefits. Consulting with an attorney regarding your circumstances is always advised. It is also important to understand that regardless of which type of benefit you seek, there are maximum monthly amounts you can receive. In 2025, the maximum amount of an individual can receive is $4,018, and the maximum amount of SSI benefits is $967 per individual or $1,450 per couple.

A Closer Look at the Application Process

If you have decided to seek one or both types of these benefits, you may wonder what the process is for seeking those benefits and how long approval might take. This is an important and understandable question to ask.

Although each person’s timeline will be slightly different, the general steps of the application process include:

• Retaining an attorney: This is often one of the most essential steps in many legal matters and can make a tremendous difference in reducing the stress of navigating complex laws and confusing requirements. The right attorney will be able to review your situation with you and provide evidence as to how to best proceed with your claim.
• Gather necessary evidence: In order to support a claim for disability benefits, you will certainly need medical evidence establishing your condition, its symptoms, and its effect on your daily life. You may also need employment records and other information, depending on your circumstances.
• Completing the necessary paperwork: Anyone seeking disability benefits must complete and submit the required application to the Social Security Administration. Your attorney should be able to work with you to ensure that you complete your application efficiently and effectively.
• Awaiting a decision and appealing if necessary: After submitting your application, you will need to await a decision. If you are approved, your benefits should begin shortly thereafter. If denied, however, your attorney can advise you as to the next steps if you wish to pursue an appeal.

How long each of these steps might take will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your case and the Social Security Administration’s workload at the time. Generally, however, an initial decision may take several months.

Disability Experts – Here For You

At Disability Experts, we understand the struggles that our disabled clients face. We know that it’s difficult enough to live with a disabling condition, even in the best of circumstances. Adding financial stress and constant worry to your plate is the last thing you need. That’s why we’re here to help. Our talented and experienced team of attorneys knows and understands every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we will always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you soon.

Sources

• Social Security Disability Benefit Overview: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf
• Social Security Disability Application Process: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability.html