The Road to Getting Social Security Disability Benefits
If you can't work because of a long-term or permanent disability or health condition, you can get help from the government. This help is called "disability benefits." Disability benefits include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
The journey to getting disability benefits from the government can take years. You might hear "no" a few times, but don't stop trying! If approved, you can get back benefits for the months or years you waited. This page breaks down the steps in the process.
Tip: If you get stuck along the way, call a Social Security disability attorney for help. If you can't find an attorney, you can get free legal information by calling Oregon's Public Benefits Hotline at 1-800-520-5292.
Initial application
Wait for a decision
After applying, it can take many months to hear back. Most people wait about seven months. Social Security will send you a letter when they decide. If you get approved, great!
If not, you can file a paper asking them to change their mind. This is called asking for “reconsideration.” Don't give up if your claim is denied! This happens to most people. It's a normal part of the process.
Reconsideration
Ask Social Security to reconsider their decision if they say "no"
If your application is denied, you should ask Social Security to review your case again (or "reconsider" their decision). It's better to ask for reconsideration instead of stopping your current claim and starting over. Starting over usually results in you losing out on back benefits and getting less money.
To ask for reconsideration, you must turn in a "Request for Reconsideration" form within 60 days (about two months) of getting your decision. You can do this on your own, you don't need an attorney to help you with this. Click here to visit a Social Security webpage with more information on asking for reconsideration.
Wait for a reconsideration decision
After you ask Social Security to reconsider their decision, you’ll have to wait some more. You’ll likely wait another six months to get a decision.
While you wait, keep going to your medical appointments. It's also important to update Social Security if there are changes in your contact information or health.
You’ll get a decision from Social Security by mail. This decision is called a “reconsideration decision.” It’s normal to be told “no” again. This happens to a lot of people. Don’t give up! Keep going through the process because you may be told “yes” at a later step.
Appeal
Request a hearing if Social Security says “no” for a second time
If you get told "no" after you ask Social Security to reconsider their decision, you can ask for a hearing with a judge. A hearing is your chance to explain why you should get disability benefits. About 50 percent of people get approved after a hearing.
You must ask for a hearing within 60 days of getting the reconsideration decision. Click here to visit a Social Security page with more details about how to request a hearing with a judge.
Wait for your hearing date
You'll get a notice in the mail with the date, time, and other details about your hearing. Your hearing will be by phone or video. It will be about an hour long.
In Oregon, you can expect to wait between nine and 18 months (about one and a half years) from the date you ask for a hearing until the date you have a hearing.
Wait again
There's more waiting after your hearing. The judge will take some time to decide and send you a decision in the mail.
Additional appeals
If the judge says "no," ask the Appeals Council to review your case
If the judge doesn't approve you or approves you for a start date later than you requested, you can ask another group, called the “Appeals Council,” to review your case.
You have only 60 days (about two months) to ask for this review. You can find details and a form to ask for this review on the Social Security website.