How Long Does it Take to Receive My Social Security Decision?

Is it true that Social Security can take months or years to make a decision on your disability case? My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today we’re going to talk about how long the Social Security Administration takes to make a decision on your disability case. 

Number one, the length of time depends on where your case is in the process. Is it at the initial stage, reconsideration stage, hearing level or appeals council stage? 

At the Initial and Reconsideration Stages

At the initial and reconsideration stage, I typically tell clients that it can take between three to six months for Social Security to review the file and make a determination. However, it’s important to note that this time can vary depending on whether Social Security has difficulty obtaining your records or other personal statements. It can also vary depending on caseload and staffing issues. We have been seeing a little bit of an increase in the number of cases at initial and reconsideration stages, which is likely due to staffing shortages at the Social Security Administration and Disability Determination Services as well as medical offices. 

At the Hearing Stage

At the hearing stage, I often tell clients to expect it to take between 12 to 24 months to get a hearing from the date we request the hearing, not the date of the initial application, but from the date that you request the hearing. This time frame does depend on the caseload of the hearing office that your case has been assigned to, and ultimately it will depend on the caseload of your judge. I do expect this to continue to fluctuate as we continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on the agency’s workflow.

At the Appeals Council Stage

At the Appeals Council stage, I often tell clients to expect about nine to 18 months wait for that decision. Just like all levels, that time frame can change, and just like the hearing level, it’s not nine to 18 months from when you applied, but nine to 18 months from when you filed the Appeals Council request for review.

After a Hearing

If you have had a hearing and you’re waiting on the judge’s decision, that time frame honestly depends on the judge. Some judges can get the decision out within a few weeks to a couple of months, others take a few months or longer to decide. 

Social Security Disability Lawyer

Thanks so much for watching. If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give me a call directly for a free consultation where we discuss your case and see what I can do to help you.