When you develop a medical condition that renders you unable to work, you may apply for Social Security disability benefits for financial support due to the loss of your income. However, you may wonder how long it can take to get approved for SSD benefits in Missouri. Applying for SSD benefits can become a time-consuming process depending on the nature of your medical condition and the complexity of the record in your case. Timelines for approval can also depend on which stage your benefits application reaches.
Initial Application Stage
The initial application stage for SSD benefits involves the Social Security Administration’s first review of a person’s application. As a result, the SSA’s claims reviewers must familiarize themselves with an applicant’s medical records and review their financial documentation or work history to determine their eligibility for benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The SSA may also request that applicants submit additional documentation or attend a medical examination to provide the claims reviewer with updated medical information.
Although an initial application review usually takes three to six months, the process can take longer due to incomplete application forms, delays in providing requested documents, or rescheduling of requested medical exams.
Reconsideration
When the SSA denies a disability benefits application on initial review, an applicant can request reconsideration of their application. During reconsideration, a more senior claims reviewer reviews the application anew. In some cases, an applicant may submit updated medical evidence to supplement their application. Reconsideration can take a couple of months, but usually less than the initial application review, as the new claims reviewer already has access to the complete record.
Administrative Hearing
When a Missouri applicant has their application denied after reconsideration, they can file an administrative appeal to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. However, it can take upwards of a year or more to receive a hearing before the ALJ. Before the hearing, an applicant can submit a written brief to argue why the ALJ should approve the application.
At an administrative hearing, an applicant will appear before the ALJ. The hearing may also include testimony from vocational and medical experts to discuss the nature of the applicant’s medical condition and their residual functional capacity (i.e., their ability to work in prior jobs they’ve held or other positions that exist in substantial numbers in the national economy, despite the limitations posed by their medical condition).
Applicants who request administrative hearings can increase their chances of success by retaining legal counsel to assist them in presenting a compelling case to the ALJ.
Appeals Counsel and Federal Court
When the ALJ denies a disability benefits claim, the applicant can appeal that decision to the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council. Review by the Appeals Council can also take up to a year. Finally, an applicant can appeal an adverse decision by the Appeals Council by filing a complaint in federal court, with federal court proceedings usually taking over a year to complete.
Tips to Avoid Delays
Best practices for obtaining a decision on an SSD claim promptly include:
- File your claim as soon as possible after the onset of disability
- Gather your complete medical records before submitting your SSD benefits application
- Follow up with the SSA regularly during the application process to check on the status of your case
- Promptly respond to requests for additional information or medical examinations
Contact an SSD Attorney Today
When you apply for SSD benefits in Missouri, waiting for a decision on your application can cause you considerable anxiety and stress. Contact Crowe & Shanahan today for a free initial consultation with an SSD lawyer to learn more about what to expect during the SSD application process and to understand the timeline for application review.