The Waiting Game: What Really Happens During the Initial & Reconsideration Stages of a Social Security Disability Claim

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The Truth About the Initial & Reconsideration Stages of a Social Security Disability Claim: Why It’s Mostly a Waiting Game

When new clients come to the Law Offices of Christopher Le, one of the most common frustrations we hear is:

“Why haven’t I heard anything?”

“Do I need to call the office for updates?”

“Is my case moving at all?”

These concerns are completely understandable. Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is stressful, and silence from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can feel alarming. But here’s the truth that many people don’t realize:

During the Initial and Reconsideration stages, the process naturally takes 12–18 months at each stage — and almost all of that time is simply waiting for SSA to review medical records and make a decision.

This blog will walk you through exactly what happens during each stage so you know what to expect — and why long periods of “no news” are completely normal.

1. The Initial Application Stage: What Really Happens

Once your disability application is submitted, most people imagine that SSA immediately begins evaluating their case. In reality, this stage includes multiple layers of behind-the-scenes work:

What the SSA does during this stage

• Collects your medical records from every provider listed

• Waits for doctors and hospitals to send records back (this alone can take months)

• Reviews the medical evidence to determine if you meet SSA’s strict disability standards

• May schedule you for a consultative examination, if needed

  
  

How long this stage takes

12-18 months on average — and sometimes longer depending on:

• backlogs at SSA

• slow medical providers

• the need for additional evidence

Why you don’t receive regular updates

During this time, your law firm isn’t receiving new information either.

We monitor your file, but until SSA gathers records and assigns a claims examiner, there is nothing to update. No news does not mean your case is stalled — it’s simply moving through SSA’s slow review system.

2. The Reconsideration Stage: More Waiting, Same Process

If your initial application is denied, your case moves to Reconsideration, the first level of appeal.

What happens at this stage

• Your file is assigned to a new claims examiner

• SSA once again requests updated medical records

• They review everything from the beginning, including any new treatment notes

• Another decision is made

How long this stage takes

12-18 months, sometimes longer depending on SSA workload.

Why communication from your lawyer may feel limited

The Reconsideration stage is essentially a repeat of the Initial stage. Again, we are waiting just like you, but we are:

• tracking your case in SSA systems

• ensuring deadlines are met

• submitting updated medical evidence

• preparing your case for the next stage (the hearing)

When SSA is silent, we have nothing new to relay — but your case is still moving.

3. Why It Feels Like “Nothing Is Happening” — Even When Your Case Is Moving Forward

The reality is that disability claims are not like typical legal cases. There is no court date, no frequent filings, and no routine updates. Instead, the system is designed so that:

• SSA controls the timeline

• SSA controls the evidence-gathering process

• Medical providers determine how quickly records are delivered

• Claims examiners work through extremely large caseloads

This creates long periods of silence — but it does not mean your attorney is ignoring your case.

4. What We Do During These Stages

At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we remain actively involved, even when SSA is slow. Here’s what we’re doing behind the scenes:

• Tracking your case status through SSA’s internal systems

• Ensuring all medical providers receive record requests

• Submitting updated evidence as it becomes available

• Responding to any SSA inquiries

• Making sure all deadlines are met

• Preparing your case for the next stage so nothing is delayed

  
  

You may not hear from us every week — but your case is always being monitored.

5. What You Can Do While You Wait

To strengthen your case:

✔️

Continue all medical treatment

SSA wants to see ongoing care.

✔️

Keep track of new providers or appointments

Share changes with us so we can update your file.

✔️

Respond promptly to any requests from SSA or our office

This prevents unnecessary delays.

✔️

Be patient — truly, it’s the nature of the system

If 12–18 months have passed without a decision, that’s normal.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone in This Process

We know the waiting is frustrating — but it is part of the Social Security disability system, not a reflection of neglect or inattention from your legal team.

At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, our role is to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and ensure every piece of evidence is submitted correctly so you have the strongest case possible.

If you ever feel unsure or need reassurance, we’re here. You do not have to navigate this alone.