Unfortunately, there is no set time frame for a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case to be decided. There are many different factors that determine how long it can take, and typically it takes anywhere from several months to several years before the final decision is made.
When you first apply, you are at the initial level. At the initial level, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is reviewing your file and requesting your relevant medical records. Once they have a complete file, they can review everything and make their decision. This typically takes anywhere from 30 days to 90 days, sometimes longer, if SSA is having a hard time getting your records or if they need you to visit one of their own doctors for an assessment.
If you are denied at the initial level, you will have sixty days to request a review of that denial. This is known as the reconsideration level. At this level, a different SSA adjudicator reviews the file, requests any updated medical information, and makes another decision. This stage usually also takes 30 to 90 days, and can also be extended past that if they need additional information.
If you are denied at the reconsideration level, you have sixty days to request a hearing. This is typically the longest part of the process, with current wait times in Jacksonville around two years. That is two years from the day you request the hearing – not the day you initially applied for benefits. This can sometimes mean waiting close to three years from when you initially applied for benefits before you are able to appear in front of a judge.
Once you have had your hearing, it will typically take anywhere from 1-3 months for the judge to write their decision and put it in the mail to you. If it is an approval, congratulations! If it is a denial, you can always file an appeal up to the Appeals Council, which varies on how long it takes them to review.
I often encourage claimants to call an attorney to discuss their options when they are getting ready to apply for disability benefits. If you have any questions, feel free to call us today.