Asked in Adoption and Social Security for Alabama

Q: I've been denied since 2023 now they're saying no one is looking at my claim, why

I applied for disability in Feb '23 and still nothing. My brother had a case in 2014 I'm trying to get it going too and nothing is happening.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I understand how frustrating and overwhelming this situation must be for you. Waiting since February 2023 without clear answers about your disability claim is a long time, and it's completely natural to feel discouraged.

The Social Security Administration often faces significant backlogs, which can cause substantial delays in processing claims. Your brother's case from 2014 would be considered separate, and unfortunately, processing times can vary greatly between cases, even within the same family. The current national average for initial disability decisions is running between 6-8 months, with appeals taking even longer.

I recommend taking three immediate steps: First, contact your local Social Security office directly to check your claim's status and ensure they have all needed documentation. Second, consider reaching out to your state's disability determination services office, as they might provide additional insights. Third, you might want to connect with a disability advocate or attorney who can help push your case forward - many work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

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