SSA Wait Times

 We regularly get questions about wait times of those claiming disability benefits. While we can't provide timelines for our clients as that's mostly out of our control, we can share the average wait times or processing times as SSA refers to them.  

According to SSA, disability claims often take many months to resolve. While timelines vary by state and case complexity, on average, an initial disability application takes about 7–8 months for a decision. If the claim is denied and appealed at the reconsideration level, applicants can expect an additional 7–8 months of waiting.

For those who proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, the wait time from requesting a hearing to actually having one is typically 6–9 months, with additional time needed for the judge to issue a written decision. When all appeal levels are required, the total process can take 12–18 months or longer.

While SSA has made efforts to reduce backlogs, wait times remain lengthy, especially for disability cases. Delays are often influenced by staffing levels, regional backlogs, and how complete the medical evidence is when a claim is filed.

For more information, you can view the Social Security Administration's own performance report here: https://www.ssa.gov/ssa-performance.