The period of time after submitting your disability application and before learning your approval or denial status can feel like an endless waiting game. Even though the stress of waiting may make time seem to crawl slowly, your life does not stop. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your disability application, you still have housing, food, transportation, and medical costs to worry about. Often, these costs continue to grow without the benefit of an income to offset them.

If you are feeling the stress and uncertainty weighing on you, it may be helpful to understand the process and gain insight into ways to manage your income.

How Long Do First-Time Applicants Typically Wait for a Decision?

The length of time applicants wait for decisions on their Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplement Security Income applications can be as long as five months in a typical case. Of course, this timeframe can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the local SSA office handling your claim. While some applicants are notified of a decision within a few months, others may wait for half a year or more.

To limit delays, ensure that your application is filled out correctly and completely. It is also helpful to be responsive to any communication from the SSA in case they reach out for clarification. Working with a Social Security disability lawyer is also recommended to ensure your claim is accurate and effectively demonstrates your need for disability benefits.

What Is the Average Wait Time for a Disability Hearing Decision?

After the initial application, you must go through a reconsideration appeal. The request for hearing is the 2nd appeal. So the phases are initial, reconsideration, and request for hearing. All three of these phases take about 6 months. Hearing decisions never take between 1-2. Usually the judge’s decision is used in about 60 days after the hearing.

Lifestyle Factors That May Impact Your Disability Application

Even though the wait time can be significant, it’s important to keep in mind the lifestyle factors that can impact your Tennessee disability application during that time.

One of the most important factors to be aware of is the maximum income limit. Not everyone who is applying for disability benefits has access to income, but if you do have money coming in, you should be informed about how this could affect your claim. The SSA will consider your income when making a decision on your eligibility for benefits. If you earn too much money per month, you may be disqualified.

When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), applicants must earn within the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity limits. These monthly amounts change frequently, which is why discussing your case with a Social Security disability attorney is the best way to get up-to-date information specific to your disability claim.

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the eligibility criteria is different from that of SSDI. SSI is for low-income people who are unable to work either due to age or a disability. The types of income that are considered for SSI applications are:

  • Earned income, like wages and self-employment income
  • Unearned income, such as pensions and dividends
  • In-kind donations, including food and shelter paid for or gifted by others
  • Deemed income, which is a portion of your spouse’s income

It is important to note that working part time is not recommended. It could negatively affect things like transferable skills and other factors necessary to win your case. Please contact our firm to discuss the specifics of your potential case.

There are numerous exceptions and other qualifying factors, so speaking with a Tennessee disability attorney will provide the most accurate information about your eligibility.

Other factors that can affect your SSI application include:

  • Health insurance access
  • Medical appointments and ongoing treatment
  • Living arrangements
  • The value of your resources, like bank accounts and vehicles

How to Manage Income While Awaiting a Disability Application Decision

If making too much money during the waiting period will disqualify you, how can you pay your bills and provide for your basic needs? If you can find part-time or temporary employment, you may be able to remain below the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity limit while also earning money for necessities. Other benefits may also be available to you, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, commonly known as food stamps, and Medicaid insurance coverage. Nonprofit organizations may also be able to provide assistance without impacting your eligibility.

Contact a Tennessee Social Security Disability Attorney

Having knowledgeable guidance during this challenging process can provide peace of mind and ensure that the wait isn’t prolonged by application errors or omissions. The approval rate for initial SSA applications is 37%, suggesting the process is complex and difficult to navigate for applicants unfamiliar with the requirements. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to discuss your disability claim and schedule a free consultation.