Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Arizona takes time, and many applicants wonder how long the process will last. While the timeline varies, most people wait several months to more than a year, depending on the stage of their claim and whether an appeal is required.
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Initial Application Timeline
- The initial SSDI application in Arizona usually takes 3 to 6 months for a decision.
- The Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical evidence, work history, and eligibility.
- If paperwork or medical records are incomplete, the process may take longer.
Reconsideration Timeline
- If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration.
- This step generally takes 3 to 5 months.
- At this stage, a new examiner reviews your case, but approval rates are typically low.
Hearing Timeline
- If reconsideration is denied, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
- In Arizona, the average wait time for a hearing can be 8 to 14 months.
- After the hearing, it may take 2 to 3 additional months to receive a written decision.
Appeals Council and Federal Court
- If denied at the hearing, you can appeal further to the Appeals Council or federal court, which may add several more months to years to the process.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
The length of time depends on:
- Completeness of your medical records.
- How quickly your doctors respond to requests for information.
- The caseload of Arizona’s DDS and local hearing offices.
- Whether your case qualifies for expedited processing (e.g., terminal illness, Compassionate Allowance conditions).
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Hogan Smith can help speed up your SSDI claim in Arizona by:
- Ensuring your application and medical records are complete before submission.
- Following up with doctors to gather missing medical evidence quickly.
- Guiding you through appeals if your claim is denied.
- Helping you avoid common mistakes that cause delays in approval.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re waiting on an SSDI decision in Arizona, don’t go through it alone. Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll help you prepare your case, track your application, and fight for faster approval.
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