If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it’s in your best interest to do everything in your power to avoid any delays. Applying for and receiving (if approved) SSDI is already a long process, and any delays will only drag things out longer than they need to be. But what typically delays an SSDI claim and how can you make sure you’re in the best possible position to receive Social Security Disability benefits?
In this article, we’re covering common SSDI mistakes and our tips on how to avoid SSDI claim delays. Some of these are well-known mistakes and some almost never come up in general online guides.
Key Takeaways:
- Missing paperwork is one of the most common causes of SSDI delays.
- SSDI claims are often more complex than they appear; many factors affect SSA’s evaluation.
- Daily activities, including pet care, can be used as evidence against your claim.
- Regular medical treatment helps support your case; long gaps can raise questions.
- Earning above SSA’s income limit can affect your eligibility.
- Missing an appeal deadline can mean starting your case over.
- The longest delays usually happen while waiting for a hearing date.
Common SSDI Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Not Filling out Forms on Time
Naturally, meeting deadlines and filing your initial application is extremely important to your SSDI claim. Common SSDI application tips already cover this, but one thing that often gets overlooked is the ongoing paperwork SSA sends after your claim is filed.
Forms like medical release forms or consent forms for a video hearing are among the most common reasons why SSDI claims are delayed. Completing and submitting these forms in a timely manner helps your case run quickly and smoothly. Ignoring these forms does not mean your case or appeal will be dismissed, but it will make things run much more slowly.
This is a simple delay to avoid by filling out forms on time and submitting them promptly.
Assuming SSDI Claims Are Simpler Than They Are
A lot of people mistakenly think that if they are disabled from the job they’ve held for 10+ years, getting social security should be easy. In reality, things are much more complicated than that. Your claim depends on a lot of factors including your age and the type of disability you have.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to go into the process understanding the actual scope of SSA’s evaluation. It could also be a good idea to receive guidance from a social security disability attorney to set yourself up for success.
Read More: What You Should Know About Social Security Disability Insurance
Having and Caring for a Pet
When evaluating your case, a social security judge will consider things like your disability and lifestyle. One thing many don’t realize can hurt their case is having pets and animals in their home.
“I can’t count the number of times I have seen a judge deny someone’s case and use the pets as evidence. People never see this coming, but judges will often say that if you are claiming to be totally disabled but you regularly feed, walk, and pick up after a dog, then you are probably not as disabled as you think you are.”
-Michael Yeabsley, Attorney at Law
Unfortunately, there’s no way to fully avoid this risk if you have a pet you love. If possible, you may want to consider asking a friend or family, or hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to help with feeding and walks. This can help reduce how much daily pet care shows up as evidence against your claim.
Not Going to the Doctor Regularly
If you do not see a doctor regularly, SSA will take that to mean you do not have a serious medical problem. You need to keep up with regular, periodic medical treatment to win your SSDI case. Long gaps in your treatment can definitely hurt your case.
Avoiding this mistake is as simple as scheduling regular visits with your doctor and following through with treatment.
Earning Above Income Limit
Under SSA’s 2026 program figures, earning more than $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals, or $2,830 per month if you are blind is considered “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). Earning more than that amount can result in your claim being denied. Even under that threshold, SSA may determine that you retain some capacity for gainful employment, which can still work against you.
If you’re working while your claim is under review, it’s a good idea to discuss your specific income and hours with an experienced social security attorney. Remember that even work under the SGA threshold can affect how your case is evaluated.
Related: What to Do When Waiting for an SSDI Decision
Not Responding in a Timely Manner
Every adverse decision, whether an initial denial or a reconsideration denial, comes with a strict appeal window. Missing a deadline can mean starting the process over from the beginning.
The best way to avoid unnecessary delay is to respond to every deadline immediately and treat the hearing wait as expected, not as a red flag.
Do Everything You Can and Be Patient
Even if you do everything right and follow all our SSDI application tips, you still need to be patient as things can move slowly. The SSDI approval process takes time due to the large number of claims filed and the backlog SSA is working through.
Avoiding the mistakes we’ve listed here can help ensure your Social Security Disability benefits do not take longer than they need to. Staying responsive to SSA, keeping up with medical care, and understanding what the process actually requires can put you in a stronger position from the start.
If you need guidance, or if you’re facing a denied SSDI claim here in Oregon, working with an SSDI attorney can help you understand your options and move your case forward. Contact us today for a free consultation!
FAQs
What delays an SSDI claim?
Common causes include missed paperwork, gaps in medical treatment, income near or above SSA’s substantial gainful activity limit, and missed appeal deadlines. The single longest delay, however, typically comes from the wait for a hearing.
What mistakes should you avoid when applying for SSDI?
Avoid ignoring SSA correspondence, assuming your case is simpler than it is, skipping regular medical care, and missing any appeal window. Each of these can add months, or longer, to your claim.
How long does an SSDI claim take?
The initial application and reconsideration stages typically take up to six months combined. If a case moves to a hearing, the wait for that hearing date can add a year or more on top of that.
Where in the process do delays cluster, and why?
The longest wait is usually the wait between the request for hearing and actually having your hearing, which can be a year or even longer. The initial and reconsideration process takes up to six months so this is definitely where the biggest delay is. The reason is simply the large backlog of hearing requests, since SSA has to ensure every claimant gets their day in court.
Why is my SSDI claim taking so long?
In most cases, the delay isn’t a sign that something is wrong with your claim. It more often reflects the nationwide backlog in scheduling hearings, which affects nearly everyone at that stage of the process.
How to avoid common SSDI claim delays?
Respond to every SSA request promptly, keep up with regular medical treatment, understand how daily activities may be viewed as evidence, and meet every appeal deadline without exception.
Browse our Social Security FAQ page for more answers to common questions.
Mike grew up in a military family and attended Northwestern School of Law in Oregon, where he graduated with honors. He began practicing workers’ compensation law in 1991 and became a founding partner of Ransom & Gilbertson in 1995. With decades of experience, Mike is known as a top 1% workers’ compensation attorney and has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV rating for skill and ethics. Outside the office, he enjoys rafting, fishing, going to the beach, and spending time with his dog, Sahalie.