The waiting game is something people who have gone through the Social Security disability process know way too well. For a process that can take the better part of two years before an ultimate decision in made on whether an applicant is disabled, it becomes even more discouraging to learn that even when an applicant proves they are disabled the waiting is not over.
Most successful applicants have to go before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) before they are found disabled. Even though applicants may learn straight from the ALJ’s mouth that they have proven they deserve disability benefits, they are in for a rude awakening to learn that they will probably still have to wait weeks and even months before they see a dime in disability benefits.
After an ALJ hearing, nothing is official no matter what the ALJ says during a hearing until the official decision is written by the ALJ. Sometimes this can take weeks or even months to receive, which can create some anxious moments for claimant. Once the ALJ decision arrives and it confirms that you won your disability case, there is usually more waiting on the horizon. It takes another chunk of time for Social Security to issue the Award Letter which explains how much in monthly benefits the beneficiary will receive and how much in past-due benefits are owed. Typically, after the Award Letter is issued, it doesn’t take long before benefits are paid.
The waiting never seems to end in a Social Security disability claim, so those going through the process, or who are ready to begin the process, should be aware of how much waiting is involved as to limit frustration as much as possible.
To learn more about the waiting phase of the process after a hearing click here.
