Stages of Getting a Disability Check

According to a "USA Today" story, the average wait time for a Social Security disability decision was more than 16 months in the early part of 2008, with some cases going on as long as three years. Since 2007, Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue has been pushing to address this problem, and even though conditions may have improved, current applicants should still prepare themselves for a lengthy process to get that first disability check.

Application

• The initial application should be filed at your local Social Security office. If you have trouble getting there, a representative can either mail you a copy of the form or take your information over the telephone. At this time, he will also make an initial determination about your basic non-medical eligibility, such as age, employment and marital status. Other information needed relates to the nature of the alleged disability and present treatment.

Initial Determination

• The next stage in the disability process is when the local Social Security office sends your application to an office called Disability Determination Services, or DDS. The DDS office is in charge of making the initial determination on your case. The DDS reviewer will send for your medical records from all the sources listed on your application. Sometimes it takes months to receive them all, which could slow this step down.

Appeal

• If you are approved by the DDS, congratulations. According to Vicki Johnson of the Colorado Disability Determination Services office, about 38% of cases are approved initially, and another 10% to 15% on appeal. While not awe-inspiring, the point to be taken is that more than half of applications are eventually approved. It is to your benefit to take advantage of the option to appeal for reconsideration and then, if necessary, appeal again for a hearing. In the event you are initially denied, the letter you receive spells out exactly how to conduct an appeal.

Administrative Hearing

• If your appeal for reconsideration is denied, there is one final appeal available -- not counting a civil action suit in federal court -- and that is to request an administrative hearing. These days, many are conducted via video conferencing. The basic process is that you, with the help of your attorney if you choose to hire one, present your side of the case to an administrative judge. Social Security will outline the reasons it believes you do not qualify, and often has a job expert testify as to what type of work he believes you could still perform. After both sides conclude their presentations, the judge makes his decision, which will arrive in the form of a letter a few weeks after the proceedings.