Q&A | Ask A Disability Lawyer

How long do I have to be disabled before I can file a claim for social security disability benefits?

How long on an average does it take to get approved for a claim from when a claimant files his/her initial applications for social security disability?

Social security has a duration of requirement. You have to have disability that lasts or is expected to last at least a month, excuse me, at least a year. If a person is out of work for let’s say, only a couple of days, they can file for disability but social security has to make a determination as to whether that disability will last or is expected to last at least a year or result till death.

So, from the time someone initially files until they reach a decision, the first level, how long does that usually take?

That can take on an average anywhere from 3 to 5 months, it could take less, it could take more.

Comments (2)

Steven,
It would be in your best interest to apply at this time.
Gregory Dell Sep 20, 2011 #2
I am a fifty-one-year-old year old epileptic. I also have out of control diabetes and have been seeing a pysichatrist now for some months because of what has been classified as a severe mood disorder. I am on three anti-mood drugs that do not seem to be doing the job as to making me better. I have recently been in a mental health unit at a veteran’s hospital and may be going back gain soon. I have been an epileptic since I was twenty-one and had my first seizure while I was in the navy. Do you believe that I can be described as disabled because the medications and treatments do not seem to be effective? I hope this is enough information.
Steven Sep 7, 2011 #1

Questions About Hiring Us

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via telephone, e-mail, fax, GoToMeeting.com sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-682-8331 or by email. Lawyer and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.

Dell & Schaefer Client Reviews *****

Laurie W. (Colorado)

My experience working with Jay and Sonia was the most wonderful gratifying experience I have ever had. I have never liked lawyer nor have I ever used one my opinion has changed deeply. I would never have received the benefits that I paid for that I deserve were it not for them. They were always cordial, friendly and always answered every question I had.

I owe them the security and comfort that I now enjoy at once again. I would recommend them to anyone for any disability claim in a heartbeat. Service was more than superb and I am truly grateful.

***** 5 stars based on 202 reviews

Speak With An Attorney Now

Request a free legal consultation: Call 800-682-8331 or Email Us

We respond the same day.
No fee / cost unless you get paid.
No office visit necessary.
We represent disability insurance claimants nationwide.