If you cannot seek gainful employment because you have medically verified mental or physical impairments, you may be eligible for social security disability (SSD). However, SSD is only available to those who have not or will not be able to work for at least 12 months.
If you met these criteria and have filed an application, you could wait up to six months for a decision, which could be a denial. At this point, you have 60 days to file an appeal.
Request a reconsideration
Your initial appeal is a request for reconsideration. At this point, Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your case and evidence. The examiners gather and review your recent medical records, those less than 90 days old.
The disability reexamination process can take four to 12 weeks. If the examiner decides to approve your application, your process ends and you start receiving your monthly payments. However, if receive another denial again, you need to request a hearing.
Request a hearing
When you request a hearing, a judge hears your case. You are responsible for gathering all the evidence necessary to prove your case, including your medical records and foreclosure or other financial hardship records.
The wait time for your hearing varies by state and jurisdiction (e.g., Michigan can take 13-24 months, while Ohio may take six to 15 months). This should give you ample time to gather your documents and prepare to interact with the judge personally.
Receive your judgment
After the hearing, you could wait up to 90 days for a judgment.
If you cannot work, accelerate your process and give yourself the best chance of approval by gathering all your relevant medical and financial documents early and keeping them updated.