When Will I Get a Decision on My Disability Claim?

When you’re unable to work because of a disabling condition, waiting for a decision on your Social Security Disability claim can feel endless. So, how long does it take for you to find out if your disability claim is approved? The answer depends on several factors, including which stage of the process you’re at and how complex your case is.

At The Keener Law Firm, we’ve guided countless clients through every stage of the disability claims process, and we know how to position your case for the best possible outcome at each step.

How Long Does the Initial Application Take?

After you submit your initial application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can expect to wait between six and eight months for a decision. This is the average timeline provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), though some claims are processed faster or slower depending on your circumstances.

During this period, your application goes to one of your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. A disability examiner reviews your medical records, work history, and supporting documentation. Missing or outdated medical records are one of the most common causes of delay. If your treating physicians don’t respond quickly to records requests, or if the examiner needs additional information, the DDS office could schedule a consultative examination, which can add weeks or months to your timeline.

What Factors Affect Your Wait Time?

The length of time it takes to process your claim varies based on your local SSA field office and DDS’s workload. Some states handle claims more quickly than others because of differences in staffing and resources. Your own responsiveness also plays a major role. When the SSA contacts you for additional information or schedules a medical examination, responding promptly keeps your claim moving forward.

Certain severe conditions receive expedited processing through programs like Compassionate Allowances or Quick Disability Determinations. If you have a terminal illness or a condition that clearly meets the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, your claim may be approved in as little as a few weeks.

What Happens If You’re Denied?

You should know that more than two-thirds of initial disability applications are denied. If you receive a denial letter, don’t worry. You have the right to appeal, and many applicants who are denied initially go on to win benefits at later stages.

The first level of appeal is reconsideration. You must request it within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. During reconsideration, a different disability examiner reviews your entire file, including any new medical evidence you submit. This process typically takes three to nine months. About 84% of reconsideration requests also result in denials, which means most applicants proceed to the hearing level. But don’t be discouraged.

How Long Does a Disability Hearing Take?

If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is often where cases are won, with about half of claimants receiving favorable decisions.

The wait for a hearing can be substantial. As of 2025, the average wait time is between seven and 12 months. Once your hearing is completed, it typically takes an additional 30 to 90 days for the ALJ to issue a written decision.

Preparing for your hearing is one of the most important steps you can take. This is your opportunity to testify about how your condition affects your daily life and prevents you from working. The Keener Law Firm prepares clients thoroughly for these hearings, ensuring that you understand what to expect and how to present your case persuasively.

What About Further Appeals?

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council, which typically takes six to 12 months or longer. The Appeals Council rarely reverses ALJ decisions outright, but it does remand cases for further review. Your final option is filing a lawsuit in federal district court, which takes 12 to 24 months on average.

Why Legal Representation Makes a Difference

Having skilled legal representation significantly improves your chances of approval at every stage. Attorneys who focus on disability law understand exactly what the SSA looks for in a successful claim. They know how to gather the right medical evidence, prepare persuasive arguments, and present your case effectively.

Working with The Keener Law Firm means you have a team that stays on top of every deadline and builds the strongest possible case from the start. We’ve spent years learning what works in disability claims, and we use that knowledge to give our clients every advantage.

Can You Speed Up the Process?

While you can’t eliminate waiting periods entirely, certain steps can help.

• Make sure your initial application is complete and accurate.
• Include all relevant medical records and statements from your doctors.
• Respond immediately to any SSA requests.
• If they schedule a consultative exam, attend it.

Every delay in responding adds time to your timeline.

Consider whether you might be entitled to expedited processing. If your condition is terminal or appears on the Compassionate Allowances list, our experienced disability lawyers would make sure this is clearly noted in your application.

Work with an attorney from the beginning. Applicants represented by experienced disability lawyers are more likely to be approved, especially at the hearing level. An attorney can spot potential problems before they cause delays or denials and present your case in the most convincing way possible.

What to Do While You Wait

The waiting period for disability benefits creates real financial hardship for many applicants. During this time, explore other resources that might be available. You might qualify for state disability programs or assistance through local nonprofits. Keep copies of all SSA correspondence and maintain a file with your medical records.

Continue your medical treatment if possible. Staying up with all your treatment creates a current medical record that strengthens your case. Gaps in treatment can be used against you by the SSA.

Let The Keener Law Firm Guide You Through the Process

You don’t have to face the Social Security disability process alone. At The Keener Law Firm, we understand how frustrating these long wait times can be, especially when you’re dealing with a serious medical condition and financial stress. Our team has the experience and dedication to help you build the strongest possible case and pursue your claim through as many levels of appeal as necessary.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our years of experience to work for your claim.

SOURCES

• Social Security Administration – Official FAQ: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01801
• Social Security Administration – Performance Data: https://www.ssa.gov/ssa-performance
• Solace Health – Disability Timeline Guide: https://www.solace.health/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-disability