How Long Does SSDI or SSI Approval Take at Each Stage in Oklahoma?
Here is a breakdown of recent statistics on waiting times for Social Security Disability benefits:
| Stage | Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application | Approximately eight to 12 months | A Social Security field office takes in your claim, and Oklahoma Disability Determination Services evaluates the medical evidence. |
| Reconsideration | Often five to seven additional months in Oklahoma | A different examiner reviews the evidence from the initial claim along with any new records. |
| Disability hearing | Recently six to eight months to reach a hearing in Oklahoma’s disability hearing offices | An administrative law judge reviews the claim, hears testimony and considers updated medical and vocational evidence. |
| Appeals Council | Six to 12 months beyond the hearing decision according to multiple estimates | The Appeals Council determines whether to review the judge’s decision or return the claim for further proceedings. |
| Federal court | Often a year or more longer | A federal judge reviews whether Social Security properly applied the law in its decision. The judge could send your case back to Social Security for a new decision. |
These are only estimates. Your case may take more or less time depending on multiple factors.
These are some common reasons that Social Security Disability claims get denied and therefore take longer as you appeal:
- Missing medical records
- Incomplete forms
- Incorrect doctor contact information
- Wrong or conflicting information in your documents
- Missed medical examinations requested by Social Security
- New medical treatment that must be reviewed
- Trouble reaching you
- Questions about your work or earnings
- Missed appeal deadlines
You can keep your claim moving by responding quickly to questions, attending appointments and telling Social Security about new doctors, tests or hospital visits.
Some serious cases may receive faster review. This can include certain terminal illnesses, obviously severe conditions that receive what are called “Compassionate Allowances,” as well as qualifying military cases and severe financial emergencies.
A Compassionate Allowance case usually gets approval in two to three weeks.
Troutman & Troutman can help you submit records, respond to Social Security’s requests and make sure appeal deadlines don’t pass you by.
Can an Oklahoma Disability Lawyer Make the Process Easier?
A disability lawyer cannot promise that Social Security will approve your claim by a certain date. But the right support can help you avoid mistakes that lead to extra delays or denials.
Social Security has thousands of rules. The forms can be confusing. The questions don’t always make it clear what information will really make a difference in getting your benefits approved.
Our disability lawyers help Social Security understand:
- Your medical conditions and symptoms
- The treatment you have received
- Your medications and side effects
- What your previous jobs required
- What your everyday functioning is like
- How long you can sit, stand or walk
- How much you can lift or carry
- How well you can concentrate and finish tasks
- How often you have bad days or flare-ups
- Whether you need extra breaks or miss work
- Why you cannot return to full-time employment
Some law firms tell you to apply for benefits on your own. Troutman & Troutman helps from the beginning. We gather information, help you file forms and keep your claim on track.
If Social Security denies your application, we stand by you. We can update your evidence, build your appeal, prepare you for your hearing and represent you before a disability judge.
Here are some tips for making sure your disability claim goes as smoothly as possible:
- While your case is pending, continue getting medical treatment.
- Keep telling your doctors about your symptoms and medication side effects so they record the latest on your health.
- Watch for requests from Social Security and don’t miss deadlines to respond.
- Keep copies of Social Security letters.
- Let your disability attorney know about new treatment or changes in your health.
This may be one of the hardest times in your life. You’ve lost your health, your income and the future you expected.
Disability benefits can help you afford basic needs and focus more of your energy on your health.
It’s too bad that getting those benefits can feel like an ordeal, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
An Oklahoma family founded Troutman & Troutman to help other Oklahoma families. We build a relationship with you, keep you informed and give your disability claim the attention it deserves.
Because of the long waits, it’s best to get started on your disability benefits claim as soon as possible. Let us help you move forward.
Wherever You Are in the Disability Benefits Process, We Can Help
You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Disability Attorneys Answer Your Questions about Social Security
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
SSD Questions & Answers »
