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.