Social Security has multiple levels of appeal. The initial claim may now take 12 months or more to process. If you’re denied, you can request reconsideration — which may also take 12 months or more. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge; the current wait for a hearing is approximately 5–6 months.
The Social Security Administration’s backlogs create lengthy delays in the process, which is frustrating — we understand, and it’s frustrating for us too. To avoid problems along the way, please follow the procedures we recommend closely. We’ll do everything we can to help secure your benefits, but the process can move slowly.
Call and we’ll walk through your situation together — 904-448-1710.
The Initial Claim — File for Disability Benefits
The initial application for disability benefits may now take 12 months or more to process. You can help by having certain information and documents ready when you apply:
- Your Social Security number and proof of your age
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that saw you for 1 year before you stopped work
- Names and dosages of all medications you’re taking
- Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers already in your possession
- A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did
- Social Security numbers and proof of age for each family member who may qualify for benefits
- Proof of marriage, if your spouse is applying for benefits, plus dates of prior marriages if applicable
The First Appeal — Request for Reconsideration
The reconsideration is a complete review of your claim by someone who wasn’t part of the first decision. This stage may also take 12 months or more. Social Security reviews all evidence from the original decision, plus anything new. Carefully check your initial claim decision for medical sources Social Security may have overlooked — point those out, along with any new doctor visits or hospitalizations, on the reconsideration forms.
The Second Appeal — Request for Hearing
The hearing is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge who had no part in your original decision or reconsideration. The current wait for a hearing is approximately 5–6 months. Hearings are now typically conducted by phone or Microsoft Teams video, though you retain the absolute right to request an in-person hearing — if you choose that route, getting to the hearing location is your responsibility. Before the hearing, you can submit more evidence and clarify your claim. At the hearing, the judge will question you about your limitations and work history; witnesses such as medical or vocational experts may also provide information.
Beyond the Hearing — Appeals Council and Federal Court
Social Security offers additional levels of appeal after your hearing. If the judge denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council declines to review your case or upholds the judge’s decision, you can file suit in Federal District Court.
It’s important to understand that these later appeals are no longer about you and your disability — the question shifts to whether the judge followed the correct legal procedures at your hearing.