Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants can expect a 30 to 60-day response time on their initial application but after that, the wait only increases. In fact, most states are reporting an average wait of 600 days or more.
Currently, there are more than 1 million Americans still waiting for an SSDI hearing. And, due to new Social Security law changes, these number may increase even further.
In Spring of 2017, the administration adopted new measures designed to reduce instances of Social Security fraud. Previously, applicants with a long-time doctor often receive a more favorable response to their claim. But, now, disabled individuals with long-time doctors receive no special considerations.
This new change will likely increase the amount of denials which will ultimately lead to even more appeals backlogging the system.
The best chance applicants have at a timely approval is to work with a disability lawyer prior to submitting their initial application. Social Security attorneys can help applicants build a stronger claim that has a better chance at getting approved.