Although there is no specific time frame in which the Social Security Administration must review your claim and make a decision, there are general patterns which we can track to predict how long we will have to wait for a decision.

The first stage of the claims process — the initial application — will typically take three to four months, but a recent client reported waiting six months to receive the denial. Cooperating with the Social Security disability examiner by providing paperwork and information promptly will prevent unnecessary delays.

The second stage of the claims process is the reconsideration stage. During this stage a second disability examiner will review the claim and determine whether the claimant meets the criteria for disability. Additional evidence may be submitted during this stage and an informal meeting with the examiner may be requested to present the case in person. This stage of the claims process will typically take approximately the same length of time as the initial application.

The third stage of the claims process is the request for hearing before an administrative law judge. This is the stage where the claimant has a hearing in front of a judge and a vocational expert, and the claimant testifies as to the disability which prevents the claimant from being gainfully employed. This stage of the process is by far the longest. It will typically take twelve to fifteen months to reach the hearing.

At the hearing the judge may give an indication as to the outcome, but usually the claimant will have to wait on pins and needles for two or three months to receive the decision. I am often asked by clients if I can “check on” the status of the decision and maybe prompt the judge to hurry up. The answer is no I can’t. The claims process is slow, and outside of providing prompt responses to the administration’s request for information, there is not a lot we can do to speed it up. However, having a lawyer with knowledge and experience at your side during the entire process can ensure that there are no delays and that everything will run as smoothly as possible.