How Long Does It Take to Get Your First Disability Check?

The timeline for receiving your first disability payment varies among applicants and depends on several factors. While each case is unique, understanding these factors can help set realistic expectations about when your benefits might begin.

Types of Disability Benefits

There are two types of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA):

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Designed for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for several years. SSDI benefits are based on work history and average earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This needs-based program is for those with limited income and resources and is not based on work history.

Eligibility Requirements

SSDI and SSI have eligibility requirements to meet to receive their benefits. Eligibility for SSDI payments are:

• Sufficient recent work history to qualify
• A condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death
• A condition that meets the SSA’s definition of a disability

The eligibility requirements for SSI benefits are:

• Limited income and resources
• Be a US citizen or meet certain residency requirements
• Have to be blind, disabled, or 65 years of age or older

The Application Process

Understanding the application process will give you a better idea of how long it will take to receive your first check.

Filing a Claim

To start receiving Social Security disability benefits, you’ll need to file an SSDI claim. You can do this by phone, online, or at your local Social Security office. To file a claim, you’ll need:

• Your name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Medical information and records about your condition
• Work history
• Financial information, particularly for SSI claims

Initial Review With the Social Security Administration

Once you complete your application, the SSA will review it to ensure it’s complete. This step is a basic eligibility review and usually takes a few weeks. If there’s an issue, such as it being incomplete or they need to verify information, they’ll contact you.

Medical Evaluation

After the initial review, the SSA will send your case to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in your state. They’ll examine your medical records and see if you meet their criteria. This process involves:

• Requesting additional information from your healthcare providers
• Scheduling a consultative exam with an independent doctor if necessary
• Reviewing your medical records

Disability Determination

The DDS will consider your medical evaluation and other factors when determining whether you meet the disability criteria. They’ll then send their decision back to the SSA for final processing. The entire process usually takes three to five months but can be longer.

Waiting Period for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits

Once you’ve been approved for SSDI benefits, the waiting season begins. This period directly impacts how long it’ll take before you see your benefits.

Five-Month Waiting Period

SSDI comes with a mandatory five-month waiting period for most people. The waiting period begins on the disability date (the established onset date determined by the SSA). This means you’ll likely receive your monthly SSDI benefit in the sixth month after your disability onset.

So, if the SSA determines that your disability began in January, your first benefit payment would be for July, which would be paid in August. If you’re eligible for back payments, you’ll receive January, February, March, April, May, and June’s payments in your first payment.

Exceptions to the Waiting Period

There are exceptions to the waiting period you’ll have to go through, which usually includes specific medical conditions. Some exceptions include:

• Those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can receive benefits immediately upon application approval.
• Those re-applying for disability benefits within five years of a different period of disability might not have to go through another waiting period.

Payment Timeframes After Approval

After you’ve completed the approval process and any applicable waiting periods, you should receive your payment soon.

Processing Time for First Payment

Everyone’s application will be processed on a different timeframe based on their specific situation and any issues the SSA runs into verifying information. On average, most people wait one to two months to receive their first disability payment. This timeline is how long it takes to process the application and set up your payment information.

Back Pay

Back pay covers disability benefits you were entitled to while waiting for approval, starting from your disability onset date. This compensation includes the mandatory waiting period and time spent processing your application.

Back payments are typically processed at the same time as your first payment but can sometimes be processed separately.

Payment Delivery Methods

When you start receiving Social Security disability, you have a few different payment delivery methods]:

• Direct Deposit: This method is preferred by most people because it’s the fastest and most secure way to receive payments. The funds are deposited directly into your bank account.
• Direct Express Debit: The other option is to receive your benefits via a pre-loaded debit card that will be mailed to you. This method takes longer but is a great option for those without a bank account or who prefer this method.

Factors That Can Delay Payments

It’s important to know the factors that can delay your benefit payments.

Incomplete Applications

The application for disability can be lengthy, making it easy to submit an incomplete application or an application with inaccurate information. If this happens, the SSA won’t be able to process your application until the mistakes have been corrected or you have fully completed the application.

Delays in Gathering Medical Evidence

The processing of your disability claim depends heavily on medical documentation. Delays often occur when medical records are inaccessible or incomplete, or the SSA needs to schedule additional medical examinations to evaluate your condition.

Appeals and Hearings

If your application is denied, you’ll have to go through the appeal process. Doing this and participating in the hearings will significantly delay your disability payments. Trials usually add months to your timeline, but it can sometimes be years. The levels of appeals include:

• Reconsideration
• Hearing by an administrative law judge
• Appeals Council review
• Federal Court review

Secure Expert Legal Representation!

There are many things to understand when filing a disability claim, and the process can be overwhelming and stressful sometimes. Having an experienced Social Security disability lawyer to assist and guide you through the process can make it feel more manageable and help you avoid making mistakes that can delay your claim processing.

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have ample experience helping clients with disability benefits. We are ready to help you complete your application, ensure you have all the documentation necessary, and advise you on your rights throughout the process.

If you’re getting ready to apply for disability assistance or have already started the process, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.