If you’ve applied (or are planning to apply) for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one of your biggest questions is likely:
“How long is this going to take?”
The truth is, it depends on several factors — but the process can take
months or even years depending on where your case lands in the system. This guide explains
what you can expect, how long each stage takes, and what you can do to help speed things up.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline of a Disability Claim
1. Initial Application Decision
- Average wait time: 3 to 6 months
- You’ll submit forms SSA-16 and SSA-3368, along with medical documentation.
- A state agency (DDS) reviews your claim.
- Only about
35% of claims are approved at this stage.
2. Reconsideration (if denied initially)
- Average wait time: 4 to 6 months
- You’re asking SSA to take a second look at your application.
- Unfortunately, most reconsiderations are denied again.
3. Disability Hearing Before a Judge
- Average wait time: 12 to 18 months
- This is your best shot at winning. Over 50% of claims are approved at this stage.
- The hearing is held by an
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and can now be done remotely.
4. Appeals Council Review (if denied again)
- Average wait time: 6 to 12 months
- The Appeals Council decides whether the judge made a legal error.
- Very few decisions are overturned at this stage.
5. Federal Court Appeal
- Average wait time: 6 to 24 months
- This is the final legal step and usually requires an experienced disability attorney.
What Affects How Long Your Case Takes?
Several things can
speed up or slow down your disability case:
1. Your Medical Records
- If your doctors respond quickly and provide detailed documentation, SSA can make a faster decision.
2. Your Location
- Some hearing offices are more backlogged than others.
3. Your Legal Representation
- A good lawyer can make sure forms are filed properly, deadlines are met, and medical evidence is complete.
4. Your Responsiveness
- If SSA asks for more information, respond quickly to avoid delays.
Mistakes That Can Delay Your Case
- Incomplete forms
- Missing doctor visits or exams
- Not responding to SSA letters
- Not submitting updated records
- Applying while working full-time
Can You Speed It Up?
Yes — here are a few ways to reduce delays:
- Submit a
complete and accurate application
- Work with a disability lawyer from the start
- Respond to all SSA communications immediately
- Keep your lawyer updated with new medical records
- If you're in
critical condition, you may qualify for SSA’s
Compassionate Allowance program
Why Hiring a Lawyer Can Help
At
Crossroads Disability, we help clients:
- Gather the right medical evidence
- File all forms correctly and on time
- Prepare for disability hearings
- Fight through denials, all the way to federal court if needed
And you don’t pay us unless we win.
📞
Let Us Help You Avoid Delays and Win Your Case
If you’re tired of waiting or worried your claim will be denied, don’t go it alone. At
Crossroads Disability, we’re ready to help.
- ✅ Free case evaluation
- ✅ No upfront fees
- ✅ No payment unless we win
📲 Request Your Free Case Review Now
