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How Long Do I Have to Wait for Approval?

Many Americans will develop ailments which will prevent them from working. This is just a fact of life. This is why we pay into the Social Security system from our very first paycheck. Social Security Disability Insurance is your safety net in case you are unable to earn a living.

People often ask us about how long it takes to receive a decision on their application. The waiting period fluctuates depending on many factors. But the general answer is that if everything is filled out and submitted properly, you are looking at a 60-90 waiting period. This is if everything is running smoothly at the SSA. If the system is backed up, you can be looking at 5 or 6 months.

It’s important to remember that the SSA receives over 2 million applications per year. They have a staff of 50,000 people. You can see the challenge this creates.

Your Application

Getting things right on the first try is important when it comes to filing for disability. This isn’t the time to learn on the job. Like we mentioned previously, there are a limited number of employees reviewing cases. You want them to see the best version of your application the very first time. This is why many people hire disability attorneys from the start.

If your application is rejected for whatever reason, an appeal can add another year to the process. If you are in need of financial help, you don’t have an extra year to wait for funds. You need them now.

Key factors affecting disability decision wait times (e.g., SSDI/SSI):

• Application Quality: Incomplete or inaccurate applications delay processing.
• Medical Evidence: Complex or poorly documented conditions take longer.
• Process Stage: Initial decision (3–6 months), reconsideration (3–5 months), hearing (9–18 months), appeals (1–2 years).
• Regional Backlogs: High-caseload areas (e.g., CA, NY) have longer waits.
• Claim Type: SSI or concurrent claims may involve extra financial reviews.
• Consultative Exams: Scheduling additional exams adds time.
• Representation: Attorneys may speed up documentation but not hearings.
• Agency Workload: Staffing shortages and backlogs cause delays.
• Appeals: 60–70% initial denials lead to longer timelines.
• Special Cases: Dire need or terminal illness may be expedited.

Conclusion

There is no standard waiting time while seeking approval on your disability claim. It can take anywhere from 60 days to 6 months to hear back. Hiring an attorney will ensure you have the best chance of being approved and in the fastest time possible. This is because your attorney will diligently build your case from day 1, avoiding mistakes or pitfalls the average applicant often makes.