Understanding the Disability Application Timeline

Winning a disability case — whether for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — typically takes several months to a few years, depending on the stage your case reaches.

Initial Application Stage

• Timeline: 3 to 6 months
• After your lawyer helps you submit your initial application, it typically takes 3 to 6 months for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make a decision.
• Many cases are denied at this stage, even when applicants qualify.

Reconsideration Stage

• Timeline: 2 to 6 months
• If the initial claim is denied, your lawyer can file a request for reconsideration. The SSA re-reviews your claim, which can take a few additional months.
• Approval rates are still low at this level, but your lawyer will strengthen your evidence during this process.

Hearing Stage

• Timeline: 12 to 24 months
• If reconsideration is denied, your lawyer will request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
• This is often where many disability cases are won, but waiting for a hearing date can take a year or more, depending on your location.
• After the hearing, it can take several additional months to receive the judge’s decision.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Win

Several factors can influence how long it takes for your disability lawyer to win your case, including:

• Where you live: Some SSA offices and hearing offices have longer backlogs than others.
• Complexity of your case: Cases involving rare or complex medical conditions may require more documentation and review.
• Availability of evidence: Quickly obtaining strong medical records and supporting documentation can speed up the process.
• SSA’s caseload: Delays can happen simply because of how busy the SSA is at any given time.

Can a Disability Lawyer Speed Up the Process?

While no lawyer can guarantee to speed up the SSA’s processing times, having an experienced disability attorney can help in key ways:

• Submitting a complete and strong application right away to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Gathering and organizing medical evidence efficiently.
• Responding promptly to SSA requests for information.
• Requesting an “on-the-record” decision if your case is particularly strong, which could result in approval without needing a hearing.
• Requesting an expedited hearing in severe cases (such as terminal illness or dire financial need).

Although the overall wait time is often dictated by SSA’s timelines, a lawyer helps prevent mistakes that could lead to avoidable delays.

What to Expect After Winning Your Case

Once your case is approved:

• SSDI benefits usually start with a 5-month waiting period after the disability onset date.
• SSI benefits can begin more quickly, sometimes the month after approval.
• You may also be eligible for back pay, covering benefits owed during the time you were waiting for a decision.