After you file application for benefits, the Social Security Administration claims that a disability decision will make a decision in three to five months (3-5 months). Unfortunately, the sad truth is that the disability examiners deny most applications including many valid claims. DO NOT GIVE UP! Your claim may still be a very worthy claim. You have a right to appeal but it must be filed within 60 days. As soon as you get a denial letter talk a Social Security lawyer about filing an appeal.
The first appeal is called a Request for Reconsideration. This will take several more months. Most claims will again be denied by the disability examiners. AGAIN, DO NOT GIVE UP! If you have not already done so call a Social Security lawyer who can process the next appeal. You only have 60 days to file what is called a Request for Hearing.
A Request for Hearing begins the process of having an in-person hearing with a Social Security Judge. At this point your claim begins the long wait for a hearing in front of actual Judge. You may have to wait a year or more. The Social Security Administration says the average wait across the country is 491 days. There are some things that may be done to speed up the process. Again talk to a Social Security lawyer.
So the process from start to finish can take up to 2 years. Don't delay filing your claim. The longer you wait the longer it will take.
