It can be an overwhelming and difficult process to try and obtain Social Security Disability, or SSD, benefits. Depending on how accurately and efficiently you filled out the application, you will likely have your initial claim denied, requiring you to work through the appeals process. Appealing the decision can make it take longer to get your SSD benefits.
You may be wondering: How long does it take to get Social Security Disability in North Carolina? Multiple factors may contribute to this.
How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability in North Carolina?
The amount of time it may take for you to get your Social Security Disability benefits will depend on details that are unique to each applicant’s case. It can also depend on the current caseload the Social Security Administration (SSA) is dealing with at the time of your application. Considering that it may also take some time for you to get your hands on your most recent medical records, the process can take several months to finalize.
According to the goals set forth by the SSA, the various SSA field offices around the country that are processing initial disability claims should take a total of 19 days to check the non-medical requirements of the application and make a decision after the Disability Determination Services (DDS) review. DDS should complete their medical review of your case with an average processing time of 180 days. However, these goals are not always met.
There are three primary steps in the initial disability claims process, excluding the appeals process that comes after the denial of that initial claim:
The field office checks to see if the claimant meets the basic requirements prior to checking medical conditions.The Disability Determination Service for the state in question checks the claimant’s medical condition to see if it meets the SSA’s disability requirements.The field office approves or denies your claim. Then, they issue you a response letter.
The Levels of Appeal
If your initial claim is denied by the SSA field office, which it likely will be, you can start drafting your appeal and preparing for the various stages of the appeals process. An experienced SSD lawyer can help you prepare for the appeal, which is a fairly rigorous process separate from the initial claim. Here are the various levels of appeal that you will need to work through with your lawyer:
Reconsideration: The appeals process begins with asking for the field office to reconsider their decision and have your initial application looked at by someone who had no involvement in making that first decision. You can provide them with additional evidence that might strengthen your claim.The Hearing: The next stage of the appeals process is a formal hearing with an administrative law judge. This is typically the stage where an appeal has the highest chance of being approved. Having a lawyer by your side here can also be considerably helpful. The hearing focuses on your disability and how it affects your ability to hold gainful employment. Your lawyer can argue that you need SSD benefits.Review: If the judge does not accept your application at the hearing, the next stage is going before the Appeals Council for a review of the actual hearing. At this point, the Appeals Council will either reject your application again or send it back to the same judge for another hearing.Federal Court: Finally, if the judge rejects your application once again, you may decide to take things to a higher court. The final stage is filing a claim with the Federal District Court. You will need a lawyer who is authorized to practice before the U.S. District Court.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Disability in North Carolina?
A: There is no telling how long it might take for you to get your disability benefits approved in North Carolina. Every disability claim is different, and the amount of time it might take for your case to finalize will depend largely on whether or not you made mistakes in your application, as well as the current caseload of the Social Security Administration.
Q: How Long Is the Approval Process for Social Security Disability in North Carolina?
A: The amount of time it might take your Social Security Disability application to be approved in North Carolina depends on the circumstances of your case. Each case has its own set of details that make it unique. You should account for the time it takes to get medical records, whether a medical examination is needed, whether appeals become necessary, and how severe your medical condition is.
Q: What Is the Fastest You Can Get Approved for Disability?
A: While there are no guarantees that your disability application can be fast-tracked, it may be possible for you to pursue a Quick Disability Determination (QDD). In a QDD process, your case may be approved within a few weeks if you have your medical records readily available and you have a medical condition that obviously fits the SSA’s criteria for benefits.
Q: What Is the Waiting Period for Social Security Disability?
A: Generally, the waiting period for Social Security Disability is around five months from the date that your medical condition began. That means that you will need to wait until the sixth month of your disability before receiving your first SSD payment. This waiting period is in place to ensure the Social Security Administration does not pay benefits to those who have a long-term disability, as they may not meet the necessary criteria.
Reach Out to an Experienced SSD Lawyer Today
Having to wait a certain amount of time for your benefits can be frustrating, but first, you need to make sure you have accurately applied for those benefits. A good SSD lawyer can make sure you have properly filled out the application, and they can help you work through the appeals process.
The legal team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices understands the kind of legal help you need to receive your SSD benefits as promptly as possible. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our team members.
