How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Disability? Updated 2025–2026 Processing Times

If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one of the most common questions is: “How long will this take?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t simple. The disability process has multiple steps, and each can take months — sometimes over a year.

This post breaks down each stage of the process in 2025–2026, using reliable data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and trusted national organizations. We also explain why times vary and how Green & Greenberg can help you avoid preventable delays.

Why Disability Claims Take Time

Before we go into numbers, it’s important to know why the process takes so long. SSDI and SSI applications require:

• • Medical records from multiple providers
  • Proof that your condition prevents you from working
  • Verification of work history (for SSDI)
  • Financial documentation (for SSI)

Each claim must be reviewed thoroughly. That means time. In 2025–2026, processing times are longer than they were in past decades. Staffing challenges at the SSA and high volumes of claims contribute to these delays.

Initial Decision: What to Expect First

This is your first step after filing your disability claim. During this time, your claim is being medically and non-medically reviewed.

Average Initial Decision Time

• • Most reliable data indicates it takes about 7 to 8 months on average for an initial decision.
  • Some sources show a range of 3–6 months in earlier years, but recent figures are closer to 7½ months due to backlog and staffing issues.
  • In states with higher workloads, some applicants wait even longer.

One thing to note about this step is that you cannot appeal until you receive a decision. For many applicants, this first step determines whether they must go into the appeals process.

Notably, fewer than half of SSDI/SSI applications are approved at this initial stage — and many that are denied end up getting approved later through appeals. Because of this, having experienced legal help early can make a real difference.

Reconsideration: First Level Appeal

If your initial claim is denied (which is common), the next step is to ask for Reconsideration. This is a full review of your claim by a different set of reviewers within the state DDS.

Average Reconsideration Time

• • Most sources report that reconsideration takes around 6–8 months. 
  • Some applicants may wait up to 10–12 months, depending on where they live and how busy the DDS is.

Reconsideration reviews the same evidence you submitted originally, plus any new records. However, approval rates at this stage are low. Many people still get denied and must go to the hearing level.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is often the stage with the longest wait time — but it’s also the stage where claimants most often get approval.

Hearing Wait Times

• • AARP reports that, on average, a disability hearing can take 6 to 12 months or more from filing to hearing date.
  • Recent SSA performance data shows a goal around 270 days (about 9 months), which reflects progress toward reducing backlog.
  • Other estimates range as high as 12–18 months in many regions.

The hearing is your opportunity to present your case live (in person, phone, or video) before a judge. This includes your testimony, expert witnesses, and vocational evidence. It’s the single most important stage for many applicants.

Appeals Council and Federal Court (If Needed)

If an ALJ denies your hearing decision, you can request the Appeals Council to review it. This stage takes additional months:

• • Appeals Council review: often 6–12 months.
  • If the Appeals Council refuses review, you may file in federal court, which can add 1–2+ years.

These later stages are less common but are available when procedural or legal errors need correction. They are reasons many applicants turn to experienced counsel early.

Overall Timeline: From First Filing to Final Approval

To understand the big picture, let’s look at typical combined timelines:

• • Initial application: ~7–8 months
  • Reconsideration (if needed): ~6–8+ months
  • ALJ hearing (if needed): ~9–18+ months

That means many claimants can wait 1.5 to 3 years or more from their initial application to approval — especially if the case goes through hearings and appeals.

This wide range is why early strategy and constant follow-up make a difference in your outcome.

Why Your Approval Time Can Vary

Several factors affect how long your claim takes:

• • Where you live: Some states process claims faster, others have longer backlogs.
  • Case complexity: Multiple medical conditions or insufficient documentation slow review.
  • Medical records quality: Clear, well-organized medical evidence speeds reviews.

Because of these variables, it’s not realistic to promise a specific timeframe for every claimant. However, knowing the average times helps you plan and prepare.

How Green & Greenberg Helps You Through the Wait

Here’s where having experienced legal representation matters most:

• • Filing Strong Initial Applications: We make sure your application has complete medical evidence and clear work-history documentation so you give yourself the best possible start.
  • Strengthening Reconsideration & Hearing Evidence: After an initial denial, we help gather updated records, functional assessments, and expert opinions that appeal reviewers and judges value.
  • Continuous Case Monitoring: We track the status of your claim, communicate with SSA when needed, and keep you informed during every stage — reducing surprises and uncertainty.
  • Appeal Strategy: If you need a hearing or beyond, our team prepares compelling presentations, cross-examines experts, and writes persuasive legal briefs that improve your odds.

Tips to Reduce Your Wait Time

While processing times are largely out of your control, you can help reduce delays by:

• • Submitting complete and honest medical records at the start.
  • Keeping all appointments with providers.
  • Responding promptly to SSA requests.
  • Avoiding gaps in treatment.
  • Working with an attorney early.

Many claimants who wait the longest do so because they did not prepare evidence, miss deadlines, or go through unnecessary appeals because key documentation was missing.

Final Thoughts

There is no set timeline for SSDI or SSI approval in 2025–2026, and most claimants should expect delays. With average times ranging from 7–8 months for initial decisions to 9–18 months or more for hearings, knowing the process helps you prepare wisely.

If you’re applying or have been denied, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The team at Green & Greenberg has decades of experience helping clients secure benefits and move their cases forward efficiently.

📞 Contact us today or visit our disability blog for more guidance