Patience, Persistence Required to Obtain Disability Benefits
The SSD claims process can take a very long time. Our region, which includes Ohio and Northern Kentucky, has one of the highest application rates in the nation. This translates into a long wait before you can start receiving benefits.
I'm David Kapor, a Social Security Disability lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following chart provides an overview of the four stages that may be involved in your claim for SSD:
| Stage | What it is | How Long it takes |
| Application | This is your initial application for disability benefits | Three to six months |
| Reconsideration | If your claim is denied, you can apply for reconsideration of your claim | 45 days to nine months |
| Hearing | If your claim is denied at reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge | 32 to 39 months |
| Appeal | If your claim is denied after your hearing, you can appeal the denial to the Social Security Appeals Council and a federal court. | Six to 27 months |
Due to the lengthy SSD claims process, I recommend making your initial application for disability benefits as soon as possible following the first day you are off work as a result of an injury or other medical condition. An attorney's involvement can help keep delays to a minimum.
What if I Recover After Applying for Disability Benefits?
If you are able to return to work and remain at work after being off work for less than a year, you can always dismiss the application. On the other hand, if it turns out you cannot return to work at all, your application is now well ahead in the process towards a hearing. If you are able to return to work after being off for more than 12 months, you can amend your application to request a Closed Period of Disability — that is, a request for disability benefits for the year in which you were off work.
Learn More: Why does the SSD application process take so long?
Free Attorney Consultation: To discuss the SSD or SSI claims process with me, lawyer David Kapor, call 513-878-1867 or fill out the contact form on this Web site. I have offices in Cincinnati, Fairfield, College Hill, Blue Ash and Tri-County.
