I applied for SSD pension almost 6 month ago and have still no answer. Howe long can SSA try to starve you out. I`m also from Germany and ask myself what`s going on. I know there is a treaty with Germany caled totalisation agreemebt. When I went to SSA and applied for supplement SSD they told me I got enough credits (28) to get disability. That`s all good, but when howe long can they let me suffer so my sittuation is getting just worse? That`s exactly what the Insurance company (workcomp) already tried in the last 4 years. It wold be great if somebody can give me an answer. Thanx in advance. –JD

Jonathan responds: Joachim, thanks for your email. Unfortunately, you are discovering what most disability applicants know – the Social Security system is in crisis. It has been my experience that the typical wait for a decision at the administrative level is about 3 months – if it has been 6 months, I would be concerned. On the web site for my disability book I posted a link to a government report showing that the average case processing time is 3 years, of which SSA employees spend about 7 working days.

SSA has been known to lose files and this is a warning sign. I would suggest that you call the SSA field office that sent you an acknowledgement of your claim being filed to verify that your file is being worked on. You might also want to send in copies of your medical records (sent registered mail, return receipt requested).

It is not clear from your email if you currently live in Germany. If you live in the U.S., I would ask your Senator or federal Congressman for help as well. I also wonder – if you have any medical records from Germany, there may be a translation delay.
In my view any correspondence with SSA should be made in writing with return receipt requested. The bottom line – do not assume that SSA is looking out for you – you need to confirm that they have your file.

Jonathan