How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Disability?

Getting approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits often takes longer than most people expect. While some applicants are approved quickly at the initial stage, many face delays due to processing backlogs, paperwork requirements, or denials that must be appealed. The Keener Law Firm has worked with clients across the country and understands how frustrating this wait can be. Unfortunately, recent government staffing shortages may make processing times even longer.

If you’re applying for disability benefits, it’s helpful to understand each step of the process and where delays are most likely to occur. Having experienced legal guidance from the beginning can help you avoid mistakes that lead to delays or rejections.

How Long Does The Initial Decision Take?

The average wait-time for an initial disability decision is currently about 220 days.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), as of early 2025, most applicants wait between 6 to 8 months to receive a decision on their initial application. This timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the availability of medical records, and the state in which you apply.

Applications go through a state-run Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, where claims examiners and medical consultants review your file. DDS is responsible for gathering and reviewing your medical evidence, contacting your healthcare providers, and possibly scheduling a consultative examination if the records are incomplete or inconsistent. This step alone may take weeks or months, especially if doctors are slow to respond or records are incomplete.

The Keener Law Firm helps clients collect the necessary evidence and ensures that all documentation is submitted correctly. This shortens delays and increases the likelihood of a favorable result the first time around.

What Happens If Your Disability Claim Is Denied?

If your initial claim is denied, you should certainly request a reconsideration, but this adds several more months to the process.

Denials at the first step are common—more than 60% of SSDI and SSI claims are denied initially. A reconsideration involves a new review by a different DDS examiner. However, this review rarely results in approval unless new, significant medical evidence is submitted.

The reconsideration decision typically takes 2 to 4 months. If your claim is denied again, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which can extend your wait considerably. The good news is that most initial denials are reversed after an ALJ hearing, especially when experienced and knowledgeable disability law attorneys represent claimants in the ALJ appeal hearing process.

The Keener Law Firm prepares thorough reconsideration requests and presents additional supporting medical evidence to improve your chances of success at this stage.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Disability Hearing?

It can take over a year to get a hearing before a judge, depending on where you live.

As of 2025, the average wait time for a hearing is about 12 months from the time you request one. The SSA’s Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) has long been under strain, and backlogs grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some improvements have been made, staffing reductions and a high volume of claims continue to slow things down.

After your hearing is scheduled, it may still take several more months to receive a written decision. If the judge approves your claim, you’ll typically begin receiving benefits shortly afterward. If the judge denies your claim, you still have the option of appealing to the Appeals Council or filing a new application.

The Keener Law Firm works closely with clients throughout the hearing process, developing detailed, fact-based, persuasive arguments and preparing claimants for their hearing testimony.

How Does The SSA Process Disability Claims?

Disability claims pass through multiple levels of review, beginning with your local SSA field office and ending with federal courts if necessary.

The SSA field office collects your initial application and verifies basic eligibility factors such as age, work history, and income. The claim is then transferred to your state’s DDS office for a medical determination.

If you are denied at the DDS level, you can request reconsideration. If your claim is denied again, you then should request a hearing before an ALJ. If the ALJ denies your claim, you may request a review from the Appeals Council, which can take another year or more. If the Appeals Council declines to review your case or issues an unfavorable ruling, the final option is to file a federal lawsuit.

Can Recent Government Staffing Issues Slow Down The Process?

Yes. Budget constraints and workforce reductions at the SSA are contributing to longer wait- times.

The SSA has publicly acknowledged that delays have worsened in recent months due to understaffing and layoffs. With fewer employees available to process claims, handle appeals, and conduct hearings, the backlog of cases continues to grow. This trend affects both SSDI and SSI applications nationwide.

At The Keener Law Firm, we track these developments closely and work proactively with clients to avoid unnecessary delays. By submitting complete, well-documented applications and responding quickly to SSA requests, the firm helps reduce the risk of long waits.

How Can A Disability Lawyer Help Speed Up Your Claim?

A skilled disability lawyer can’t bypass the SSA’s timelines, but they can help avoid mistakes that cause further delays.

Many applications are denied simply because they’re incomplete, poorly organized, or lacking in the right kind of medical support. The SSA requires not just a diagnosis, but specific proof that your condition prevents you from performing substantial work. Our lawyers know what the SSA looks for and can help present your case clearly.

Working with The Keener Law Firm gives you the advantage of decades of experience. Our firm helps you:

• Gather and organize all relevant medical records
• Communicate directly with your doctors about the required documentation
• File appeals on time and with appropriate supporting evidence
• Prepare for hearings with mock interviews and legal coaching
• Present compelling legal arguments to judges and hearing officers

Even if you’ve already applied and been denied, The Keener Law Firm skillfully presses your case through the appeals process and improves your chances of success at the hearing stage.

Is There A Faster Way To Get A Disability Claim Approved?

Some conditions qualify for expedited processing under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determination programs.

These programs are reserved for applicants with severe or terminal medical conditions that clearly meet SSA’s disability standards. Examples include advanced cancers, ALS, early-onset Alzheimer’s, and certain rare genetic disorders. If your case qualifies, a decision may come in weeks rather than months.

The Keener Law Firm evaluates each client’s condition carefully to determine whether expedited processing is available. When appropriate, the firm will flag a claim for faster review and submit the necessary medical records upfront to support a quick approval. If you’re facing a serious medical condition and need help getting the benefits you deserve, contact The Keener Law Firm today.