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How long does it take? And how can I appeal?

The Social Security disability process is a five step process. Once you put in the initial application it takes about four to six months to get an answer and there is a high denial rate of about 80% to 85%. If your request is denied, you then have 60 days to appeal and the application goes to the reconsidering level. This step is a four to six-month process with a 90% denial rate at that level. Once someone is denied at the reconsidering level, they can request a hearing.

This is where we see a lot of delays due to the closure of the Augusta office. Hearing delays can now run close to a 2 year wait. If someone is denied at the hearing level, they can request a review by the appeals counsel. The only way the appeals counsel or federal court is going to reverse a decision is if there is a substantial error of law or if evidence does not support the decision. This is why the entire process can take a couple of years.

Andrew Magruder and Les Wilkinson are experienced disability attorneys in the Central Savannah River Area who help with Social Security disability claims in Georgia and South Carolina. Our practice areas include social security disability, veteran’s disability claims, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Claims, and long term disability claims.

With over 55 years of combined experience, Wilkinson & Magruder can handle all stages of your social security disability claim. We are located in Augusta at 12 George C. Wilson Court. Call us today at (706) 737-0771.