How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability?

In most cases, your first disability payment typically arrives 30 to 90 days after you’ve been approved for disability benefits.

While all disability filers legally must wait a minimum of five months after their disability begins before receiving their first monthly payment, it often takes much longer. Many first-time applicants are rejected, and the appeals process can significantly increase the delay of your disability benefits.

Let’s discuss some of the common concerns and questions that surround getting Social Security Disability benefits. And if you have been facing challenges in receiving benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact Colbert Cooper Hill and request a case review.

Factors That Affect the Timing of Disability Benefits

You can apply for disability benefits as soon as your disability begins. To be eligible for SSDI, your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be terminal.

From the date you submit your initial application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes an average of 6 to 8 months to make a decision. However, more than two thirds of first-time applicants are rejected, and the appeals process can take months or even years.

There are ways to speed up this process, but one of the best decisions you can make it to hire a disability lawyer. An experienced attorney like Colbert Cooper Hill can assist you with the complex application and appeal.

RELATED: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim

Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Disability Benefits Payment

There are many different scenarios that could affect when you get Social Security Disability benefits. It is often frustrating and stressful, especially when you are relying on these benefits to pay your bills. Understanding the process and timing can help you make critical decisions about the kind of help you need while you wait for disability benefit payments to start.

How long does it take to receive your first disability benefits payment?

If you are approved for disability benefits as a first-time applicant, you will usually start receiving payments 1-3 months after your approval. This is typically 11-14 months after the onset of your disability for SSDI.

RELATED: What Conditions Qualify for Disability in Oklahoma?

How long does it take to get a decision after I apply for disability benefits?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), it typically takes 6-8 months to receive a decision after submitting your initial application for SSDI benefits.

Will my first disability payment be a check?

The Social Security Administration prefers to make disability payments electronically, so your SSDI or SSI benefits will be directly deposited into your bank account or loaded directly onto a debit card. Less than 1% of beneficiaries still receive a check.

How long does it take to receive a direct deposit disability payment?

Disability payments are usually deposited within 3 business days, which means weekends and holidays can cause a short delay to your direct deposit.

Is there a waiting period for SSDI disability benefits?

There is a five-month waiting period from the start date of your disability to the date when you can start receiving SSDI benefits. There is an exception for people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This disability does not have a wait period for receiving benefits.

Is there a waiting period for SSI benefits?

There is no formal waiting period for receiving SSI benefits, although applicants must still wait 3-6 months for the initial decision.

RELATED: Can You Receive SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?

When will I receive disability benefits backpay?

You will receive backpay at the same time as your first payment, which is usually 30-90 days after receiving approval for disability benefits. SSDI and SSI backpay is usually issued as a lump sum, but SSI can be paid in installments if the sum is substantial.

What is the average SSDI payment amount?

Typical SSDI payments are between $1,400 and $1,600 per month, but the actual amount you will receive depends on your work history and earnings. The maximum payment is $4,018 in 2026.

RELATED: 10 Best Tips for Applying for Disability

How often will I receive disability payments?

Both SSDI and SSI benefits are paid monthly. The date of SSDI benefits is related to which day your birthday falls on, whereas SSI benefits are typically issued on the 1st of the month.

My SSDI application got rejected. How long will it take to receive disability benefits if I appeal?

If your SSDI benefits application is denied, you can appeal that decision with a reconsideration. It typically takes 60 days to receive a decision on a reconsideration, and your benefits would start up within 30-90 days of that decision.

Only 15% of reconsiderations are approved, but the next step is a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). 51% of applicants are approved at the ALJ hearing. It can take 8-14 months to get the hearing scheduled and an additional 1-3 months to receive a decision after the hearing.

RELATED: How to Win a Social Security Disability Hearing

Tips to Speed Up Your SSDI Claim Decision

While much of the process is out of your hands, there are some steps you can take to help the Social Security Administration make a timely decision.

• Apply online: Online applications are processed faster than paper applications. According to the SSA, this can cut your wait for an interview in half.
• If you qualify, submit a fast-track application: For certain qualifying conditions, you can fast-track your application by using either the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) or Quick Disability Determinations (QDD) claim process.
• Submit a dire-need application: If your financial situation is a threat to your health or safety (like if you are facing eviction or cannot purchase food or medical treatment), you can request expedited processing.
• Complete all the details of the application: Make sure the information is complete and accurate, including all work history, medical records, doctor names, dates, etc.
• Include all your medical records: If you don’t submit adequate medical evidence, then the SSA will have to request that information, which can extend the decision time.
• Include letters from your doctor(s): Each of your doctors should provide you with a letter detailing your condition and how your disability prevents you from working.
• Check your application status: If any problems come up, you can be proactive about fixing them. You can check online or call the SSA.
• Get help from a disability lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you put together your medical evidence and can help you make an appeal in the case of denial. Particularly in the case of appeals, those represented by a lawyer were twice as likely to be approved.

In general, if you don’t submit enough information, then the SSA will have to request it. This delays the process and your SSDI benefits. The waiting period while the SSA reviews your claim can be a very stressful time. It is important to know that most applicants are approved through the appeals process.

You’re More Likely to Be Approved for Disability Benefits if You Hire a Lawyer

This may be your first time applying for disability benefits, and you may find that it is not as easy or as fast as you’d hoped. It can be difficult to consider hiring a disability lawyer to help you when you are already struggling to pay your bills.

Many lawyers, including those at Colbert Cooper Hill Attorneys, are paid on contingency. This means that we only get paid if we help you get approved for disability benefits. Plus, the SSA has made rules about payment, and lawyers can only get their payment as a small percentage of your retroactive benefits. This means you should never have to pay out-of-pocket for a lawyer’s help.

Your lawyer’s experience and knowledge will help you strengthen your case to help you get disability benefits approved. A lawyer can help you gather medical records and help you get additional medical evidence if needed. They will put together a strategy to help you win your case and prepare you for every step of the process.

RELATED: How Much Does a Social Security Disability Lawyer Cost?

Call The Wolf Pack™ for Help with Your Disability Claim

If you have a medical condition preventing you from working, and you’re wondering how long it takes before you can start receiving SSDI benefits, get in touch with our office. Our team is dedicated to helping Oklahoma citizens like you, so that you can focus on recovery.

We will start with a free review of your claim and show you how we can help you create a strong case. If you hire us to represent you for your disability benefits claim, and the SSA denies your appeals, you don’t owe us a thing.

Contact us for your free consultation today by calling (580) 271-9672 or filling out the online form to move forward to a better tomorrow.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.