How long does the process take from start to finish of my Social Security Disability claim?

It varies, as no two cases are alike. Typically, the time between the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) acknowledgement of an applicant’s (that’s you) request for a disability hearing and when the hearing is actually held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is twelve to 18 months. So, what happens during that year to year-and-a-half period? Initially, we sign you up as a client and get to know you. Once we are working together, Edwards & Kautz Law Firm, PLLC will handle almost everything for you. Your responsibility is to keep getting treatment and to let us know us if you get any new treatment providers (those are doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, mental therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc.). Our job is to see that your records are collected and sent off to the SSA for the ALJ to review before your hearing. We recognize that this can be a long process. Please keep in mind that the SSA controls when your date for a disability hearing is scheduled. Since records need to be collected and reviewed and so as not to rush the process, it is helpful to have plenty of time to prepare for your hearing. Next, the SSA sets a date for your hearing. We will sit down together to prepare well before your hearing date. Everything will be addressed at our meeting, including how to get to the hearing building itself; what time to be there; how to dress; what kind of questions to expect during the hearing; what to expect from the ALJ, any experts, and me during the hearing; and what happens after the hearing. Since we work together for so long, it is a great feeling to see it all come together during the hearing. Finally, after the hearing the ALJ will take your case under advisement and decide to afford disability benefits or not. This can take a few more months; however, since every case is different, there is not set timeframe for getting the ALJ’s decision. If benefits are awarded to you, great! If not, we will discuss the next course of action. Edwards & Kautz Law Firm, PLLC hopes this helps!