Hi All - how long before you heard anything (even just a request for more info) after applying for social security disability?

It's been almost 8 weeks and I haven't heard a peep.

Thanks for the reply - appreciated!!

I am in northern California. It took me six months for the first denial. Almost a year for the reconsideration and second denial, and then another year wait for a hearing date. My hearing is May 12, 2006 and my original application was July of 2003

Hope yours goes faster.

Good luck,

Mary

Did you have your interview by phone or in person yet. After I had my interview and provided them my birth certificate I had my award letter in the mail within 5 months after the first initial application online. Mine was an approval. I know of people that have had correspondence for other info or second opinions within weeks of filing. I know SS states that you should hear after 90 days on their decision. I always say no news is good news.

Hi All - how long before you heard anything (even just a request for more info) after applying for social security disability?

It's been almost 8 weeks and I haven't heard a peep.

Thanks for the reply - appreciated!!
What state do you live in?

Have you contacted your SS claims representative for a status report?

Some states respond faster than others because of the backlog. However, "Bush" has passed a law that is suppose to eliminate the backlogs & the waiting times.
When this law takes affect? Who knows. :confused:

My state (NJ) was one of the "backlogged" states. From the day I initially filed my claim (by phone) to the day my 1st check was directly deposited into my account-------3 1/2 years. :mad:

Thanks everyone for the replies - I can only imagine what it must feel like to take years to get your first check. I live in CA but, I haven't had an interview nor any paperwork sent to me since filing the inital application.

How long before you were called for an interview initially? I'm getting a bit worried - I'll call again. I was told it would take at least 4 weeks before getting the first call for an interview but, it's been almost 8.

Thanks again :)

Suni321

I would make sure that they have recieved your application. Call or check on line to see if the case has been assigned. The claim is usually handled initially by a representative in your local SS office. I would call that office and do some checking up. That might help get your process moving. My local SS office notified me within 4 weeks to go for an in office interview or I could have a phone interview. I chose to take in the in office so I could also give them my birth certificate for copying. I din't want to send it via the mail. Fear it might get lost. They only need to see the original and they make a copy for your files. I had quite a bit of medical documentation so they only needed that and my interview. I see I was one of the fortunate ones. I know once you recieve the dreaded denial letter it can take months or even years before you recieve a check. Like others have said each state has a different "backlog" on appeals and such. :eek:

Hi Suni: I called the 800 number and set up my initial interview at my local SS office. I got that first appointment within about two weeks time. After that, I received a couple forms to fill out in the mail, but I got a phone call from the interviewer at the local office that I had been granted full disability. That took almost exactly five months. I think I got my first check about two weeks later. I get it (direct deposit) the second Wednesday of every month. When I was awarded my SSD, I was told I would have an review in five to seven years.

I still thinks it makes a difference in your age, as far as getting a favorable ruling. I was 57 at the time I applied. It seems the younger you are, the harder it is to get a favorable ruling.

Hello All,
Well I'm 33 and in Virginia and it took them exactly 60 days to deny me the first time. I think your age and education has a lot to do with it. If you are young with a college degree they believe you can find something else to do even if you're only getting paid pennies :) . I think the reason they denied me was because they said according to my reports I could move about satisfactorily--what's that? :confused: I immediately filed my appeal but I haven't heard from them yet.