When Philadelphia residents are facing difficult circumstances, it is vital that they receive the assistance they need as soon as possible. Each day, week and month without that assistance can make the situation even worse.
This is certainly true when it comes to Social Security disability benefits. Disability benefits can provide a much-needed financial lifeline after a person becomes unable to work due to an illness or injury. However, it can take some time before disability benefits are approved by the Social Security Administration, and it is often important for applicants to shorten that time period as much as possible in order for them to receive the benefits.
The Social Security Administration has helped in this regard with respect to certain illnesses like early onset Alzheimer’s, which are streamlined for consideration by the Social Security Administration. However, it still takes some time for a person’s application for benefits to be approved.
While the time frame for obtaining benefits may depend on the circumstances of each case, including the specific disability involved, it generally takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision on a person’s application for disability benefits. This time frame can be extended longer if there are more extensive medical records or other evidence that must be considered.
Likewise, if the necessary evidence is not provided with the application, it can drag the process out longer as this evidence is obtained. Accordingly, although the agency will take some time to make its decision, the applicant can speed up the process by having all of the required information ready to go from the outset and making the best possible case for benefits.
Source: Social Security Administration, “What you should know before you apply for Social Security disability benefits,” accessed on July 16, 2016