Social Security Disability
Read More About the
Claim Review Process below.
Social Security Disability Claim Review Process
From start to finish, the average length of a Social Security Disability claim is 21 months.

1. Initial Application
The SSA Field Office closest to the claimant receives the application and makes the first determination typically within 4-6 months.

2. Request For Reconsideration
If the application is denied, the first appeal is filed with the same SSA Field Office and a determination is made within 3-5 months.
3. Request For A Hearing
If the appeal is denied, the claimant can then request a hearing with an administrative law judge, which typically takes 8-10 months.
There is a backlog of disability claims resulting in longer wait times.
This is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and SSA’s limited budget.
The 5-Step Sequential Analysis

Has the claimant stopped engaging in SGA?
SGA = Substantial Gainful Activity
In 2023, the monthly SGA limit is $1470/mo (before taxes)

Does the claimant have a severe impairment?
The medical condition must be diagnosed and has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 consecutive months.

Does the claimant’s medical condition meet a listing?
If the claimant’s medical condition meets or equals the criteria of any of the published listings of impairments, the claim will be approved.

Does the claimant have the residual functional capacity to return to their past work?
SSA looks at the claimant’s 15-year work history.

Does the claimant have the residual functional capacity for other work?
If the claimant is UNDER 50:
Can the claimant work any other job?
If the claimant is 50 OR OLDER:
Does the claimant have any skills that would transfer to other work with minimal adjustment?
The 5-step analysis is “sequential”, meaning each step is reviewed in order.
