How long does SDI take to process a disability claim? Just filed and getting anxious
Hey everyone, I just filed for disability and I'm wondering how long it usually takes to process. Anyone have experience with this? I'm getting anxious about the wait time.
36 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve disability claim processing delays, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2kWxgHfB_s
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Noland Curtis
It really depends on your specific situation and how backed up the system is. In my experience, it took about 6-8 weeks to get an initial response. But I've heard of some people waiting longer. Hang in there!
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Muhammad Hobbs
ā¢Thanks for the info! 6-8 weeks sounds like forever š© Did you have to do anything while waiting or just sit tight?
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Noland Curtis
ā¢Mostly just waiting. Make sure you respond quickly if they request any additional info tho. That can speed things up.
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Diez Ellis
ā¢6-8 weeks? You got lucky! I've been waiting for 3 months now š¤¦āāļø
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Vanessa Figueroa
Pro tip: keep calling them regularly for updates. Sometimes it helps to light a fire under their butts. I called every week and got my claim processed in about a month.
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Abby Marshall
ā¢This! šÆ The squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say.
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Sadie Benitez
ā¢Idk man, I tried calling and could never get through. Just endless hold times š
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Drew Hathaway
Hey, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video for more info: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Laila Prince
ā¢Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Drew Hathaway
ā¢I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Isabel Vega
ā¢$20 just to talk to someone? The system is so broken š¤¦āāļø
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Drew Hathaway
ā¢I get it, but for me it was worth it. Time is money, ya know?
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Dominique Adams
Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect: ⢠Initial filing: Done online or by phone ⢠Confirmation: You'll get a notice that your claim was received ⢠Processing: This can take 2-8 weeks on average ⢠Additional info: They might contact you for more details ⢠Decision: You'll get a notice of approval or denial ⢠Payment: If approved, payments usually start within a week of the decision Key things to remember: 1. Respond promptly to any requests 2. Keep all your medical documentation handy 3. Don't hesitate to follow up if it's taking longer than expected Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Muhammad Hobbs
ā¢Wow, thank you so much for this detailed info! Really helps me know what to expect š
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Marilyn Dixon
ā¢This should be pinned at the top of the sub tbh
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Louisa Ramirez
lol good luck. i filed 4 months ago and still nothing. this whole system is a joke š¤”
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TommyKapitz
Have you checked your online account? Sometimes updates appear there before you get a notice in the mail.
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Muhammad Hobbs
ā¢I didn't even know there was an online account š How do I set that up?
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TommyKapitz
ā¢Go to the official disability website for your state. There should be an option to create an account using your SSN and claim number. Super helpful for tracking progress!
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Angel Campbell
Anyone else notice that claims filed in certain months seem to get processed faster? I swear I read somewhere that filing in the fall is quicker cuz less people apply then. Might be total bs tho idk
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Payton Black
ā¢I've heard that too! But I filed in October and I'm still waiting, so who knows š¤·āāļø
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Xan Dae
I'm in a similar boat - just filed last week and the waiting is already driving me crazy! From what I'm reading here, it sounds like the timeline is all over the place. Some people get responses in 6-8 weeks, others are waiting months. I guess I better mentally prepare for a long haul. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least I know I'm not alone in this stressful process!
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Owen Jenkins
ā¢Yeah, the waiting is definitely the hardest part! I'm going through the same thing right now. One thing that's helped me is keeping all my medical records organized and easily accessible in case they need anything else. Also, try to stay busy with other things to keep your mind off it - easier said than done, I know! We're all in this together šŖ
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Axel Far
I totally get the anxiety! I filed mine about 2 months ago and just got my decision last week (approved thankfully). From what I've learned through this process, the key is to make sure you submitted all your medical records upfront. They'll contact you if they need more info, but having everything ready from the start seems to help speed things up. Also, don't be afraid to call and check on the status - I know the wait times are brutal, but at least you'll know where you stand. Hang in there, it's worth the wait when you finally get that approval! š¤
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Wesley Hallow
ā¢Congrats on getting approved! š That's such a relief to hear. I'm definitely going to take your advice about having all the medical records ready upfront - I think I might be missing a few pieces. Did you have to get anything specific from your doctors or was it mainly just your regular medical files? I'm trying to be as prepared as possible since the waiting is already stressing me out!
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Ava Martinez
I just went through this process myself and got approved after about 10 weeks. Here's what I learned that might help ease your anxiety: 1. The timeline really varies based on how complete your initial application is and how backed up your local office is 2. Make sure you have ALL your medical records from the past year - don't leave anything out 3. If your doctor hasn't already, ask them to write a detailed letter explaining how your condition affects your ability to work 4. Check your online account regularly (if you haven't set one up yet, definitely do that) 5. Keep a log of any symptoms or limitations you experience - this can be helpful if they need more info The waiting is brutal, I won't lie, but try to stay positive. Most people I know who had complete applications got decisions within 2-3 months. You've got this! šŖ
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Cassandra Moon
ā¢This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you! I'm definitely going to set up that online account ASAP - seems like everyone's mentioning how useful it is for tracking progress. The tip about keeping a symptom log is really smart too, I hadn't thought of that. It's reassuring to hear that most complete applications get processed within 2-3 months. I'm going to double-check that I have all my medical records submitted and maybe reach out to my doctor about that detailed letter. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience - it really helps knowing others have made it through this process successfully! š
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Elin Robinson
I'm also new to this whole disability claim process and reading through everyone's experiences is both helpful and nerve-wracking! It sounds like there's no real "standard" timeline - some people get responses in 6-8 weeks while others are waiting 3+ months. I'm trying to stay patient but it's hard when you're dealing with health issues and financial stress at the same time. Thanks to everyone who shared their tips about keeping medical records organized, setting up the online account, and following up regularly. It's good to know there are things we can do to potentially help move the process along. Fingers crossed for all of us who are waiting! š¤
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Ella Thompson
ā¢I completely understand that mix of helpful and nerve-wracking feelings! I'm also pretty new to this community and going through the same process. What really strikes me from reading everyone's stories is how much the individual circumstances seem to matter - like whether you have all your paperwork ready, how backed up your local office is, and even just luck of the draw. The financial stress while waiting is definitely real too. I'm trying to focus on the actionable advice people have shared (like that online account setup and staying organized with records) since it helps me feel like I have some control in this process. Wishing you the best with your claim! š
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Caleb Bell
Just wanted to chime in as another newcomer who's going through this same stressful waiting period! Filed my claim about 3 weeks ago and I'm already checking my (non-existent) online account obsessively š Reading through everyone's experiences here has been super helpful though - especially learning about things like keeping a symptom log and making sure all medical records are complete upfront. It's wild how much the timelines vary, but at least now I know what to realistically expect. Thanks to everyone who's shared their stories and advice. This community seems really supportive for those of us navigating this confusing process for the first time!
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Sofia Gomez
ā¢Ha! I'm glad I'm not the only one obsessively checking for updates š I just filed mine yesterday and I'm already driving myself crazy wondering about the timeline. It's really reassuring to see how supportive everyone is here - makes this whole nerve-wracking process feel a bit less isolating. I'm definitely going to take everyone's advice about getting that online account set up and making sure I have all my medical documentation in order. Thanks for sharing your experience, it helps knowing there are others going through the exact same thing right now!
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Javier Mendoza
I'm also brand new to this whole disability process and just submitted my application yesterday! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and anxiety-inducing at the same time š It's clear that the timeline really varies wildly - some folks get responses in 6-8 weeks while others are waiting months. I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for a potentially long wait. One thing I'm taking away from all the advice here is to make sure I have everything organized upfront. I'm going to double-check that I submitted all my medical records and definitely set up that online account everyone keeps mentioning. The tip about keeping a symptom log is brilliant too - I wouldn't have thought of that on my own. Thanks to everyone who's shared their stories and practical advice. It really helps to know there's a supportive community of people going through the same stressful process. Fingers crossed for all of us who are waiting! š¤
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Emma Davis
ā¢Welcome to the waiting game! š I just joined this community myself after filing a few weeks ago, and honestly, reading everyone's experiences has been such a lifesaver. You're so right about it being both reassuring and anxiety-inducing at the same time! The timeline variation is crazy - but at least now we know what we're potentially in for. I'm also going to go back and make sure I have all my medical records properly submitted after seeing how much that seems to matter. It's really nice to find a group of people who actually understand what this process is like. Here's hoping we all get good news sooner rather than later! š¤
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Ava Kim
Just wanted to add my voice to this thread as someone who's also navigating this process for the first time! I filed my claim about 2 weeks ago and I'm already feeling that familiar anxiety everyone's describing. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful - it's both comforting to know I'm not alone and a bit overwhelming to see how much the timelines can vary. I'm definitely taking notes on all the practical advice shared here, especially about setting up the online account (doing that today!) and keeping thorough medical documentation. The symptom log idea is something I hadn't considered but makes total sense. One question for those who've been through this - is it worth reaching out to my doctor proactively to ask about writing a detailed letter about my condition, or should I wait to see if they request additional documentation first? Don't want to seem pushy but also want to be as prepared as possible. Thanks to everyone for creating such a supportive space to share experiences. The waiting is tough but at least we're all in it together! šŖ
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Carmen Vega
ā¢Welcome to the club! š I'm also pretty new here and just went through filing my claim a few weeks back. Your question about reaching out to your doctor proactively is a great one - from what I've read in other threads and experienced myself, it's definitely worth being proactive! I asked my doctor for a detailed letter upfront and she was totally understanding about it. She said it's actually helpful for them to know what kind of documentation might be needed. Worst case scenario, they say they'd prefer to wait, but most doctors seem pretty willing to help speed up the process if they can. The waiting really is the hardest part, but this community has been amazing for keeping me sane through it all! š
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