After you file a claim for SSI, the time it takes for the initial application to go through the entire process is 3 to 6 months. During this time, many different people look at the application and make decisions about the information.
If your case is denied, you can appeal that decision. To appeal, this usually takes 17 to 22 months. You would send in a request for a appeal to the SSA. The request for appeal would be sent to a judge who handles SSI appeals. A hearing date will be set for a specific time and date. During the time between then and the hearing, you would organize documents and records to present to the judge about why you are disabled. Use this time to get even more evaluations or documents that you might be missing to boost your case. During the hearing you will present that to the judge. Any and all evidence will help your case. The judge will make a decision after seeing all of the evidence. The judgement may be transferred to the decision writers for the SSA which may take a month or two. Finally, you will get in the mail a ruling on your case.
Be aware lots of SSI cases need several appeals before being granted. The SSA is overworked and has limited resources so they really carefully vet who is disabled and who is not even if you disagree.
- Application is sent to the local SSA office
- The case manager at the local office reviews the application
- A general decision is made about which kind of aid you are eligible for: SSI, SSDI, or neither
- Application leaves local office and goes to “Disability Determinations” which is a state examiner who also decides whether the person is disabled.
- The Disability Determinations may make a request for medical records
- You may get a phone call to ask about what your Activities of Daily Living are and how they are impacted by the disability
- You may need to send a Work History Report Form if you have worked
- You are examined by a Social Security doctor
- Doctor's notes and opinion are complied and sent out to the Disability Examiner
- Disability Examiner reviews everything in the file and makes a decision about the case
- Application and decision are sent back to the local SSA office
- Receive a decision in the mail/ full favourable, partially favourable or denied
If your case is denied, you can appeal that decision. To appeal, this usually takes 17 to 22 months. You would send in a request for a appeal to the SSA. The request for appeal would be sent to a judge who handles SSI appeals. A hearing date will be set for a specific time and date. During the time between then and the hearing, you would organize documents and records to present to the judge about why you are disabled. Use this time to get even more evaluations or documents that you might be missing to boost your case. During the hearing you will present that to the judge. Any and all evidence will help your case. The judge will make a decision after seeing all of the evidence. The judgement may be transferred to the decision writers for the SSA which may take a month or two. Finally, you will get in the mail a ruling on your case.
Be aware lots of SSI cases need several appeals before being granted. The SSA is overworked and has limited resources so they really carefully vet who is disabled and who is not even if you disagree.