Average Wait Time for a Disability Hearing

The average wait time for a disability hearing before an ALJ typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. However, this time frame can vary based on the hearing office’s location, the complexity of your case, and the overall caseload of the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The wait time can also be influenced by factors such as:

• Backlog of Claims: The SSA receives a large number of disability claims each year, which can contribute to delays in scheduling hearings. The higher the volume of cases at your local hearing office, the longer it may take for your hearing to be scheduled.
• Hearing Office Location: Some SSA hearing offices have more cases to handle than others, leading to varying wait times across different regions. Larger cities with more claimants often experience longer wait times compared to smaller towns or rural areas.
• Urgency of Your Case: While the average wait time for a hearing is typically long, you may be able to expedite the process in certain circumstances. For example, if you have a terminal illness or meet the criteria for a Compassionate Allowance, your hearing could be scheduled much sooner.

How Long Will It Take for the Decision After the Hearing?

After your disability hearing, the ALJ will typically issue a decision within 60 to 90 days. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the ALJ’s caseload. In some cases, the decision could take longer if additional evidence is needed or if there is a high volume of pending decisions at the hearing office.

• Fully Favorable Decision: If the ALJ rules in your favor, you will typically begin receiving your benefits shortly after the decision is issued.
• Partially Favorable or Unfavorable Decision: If the ALJ’s decision is partially favorable (for example, awarding benefits but at a later date) or unfavorable (denying your claim), you may have the option to appeal further. The appeal process can add additional time to the overall wait.

What Can You Do to Speed Up the Disability Hearing Process?

While you can’t always control how long it will take to get a hearing date, there are a few things you can do to ensure your case moves through the process as smoothly and quickly as possible:

• Submit Complete and Accurate Medical Evidence: One of the key reasons for delays in the hearing process is the need for more medical evidence. The more complete and accurate your medical documentation, the less likely you are to face additional delays.
• Request Expedited Processing: If you have a serious medical condition, you may be eligible for expedited processing. For example, if you have a terminal illness or meet the criteria for a Compassionate Allowance, you can request that your case be prioritized for a faster hearing date.
• Stay Organized: Ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted on time, and keep track of any deadlines or requests from the SSA. Missing deadlines or not submitting necessary documents could lead to additional delays.
• Consult a Disability Attorney: While not required, having a disability lawyer on your side can help ensure that your case is fully prepared, which could prevent further delays and help streamline the hearing process.

Factors That Can Impact Wait Times

Several other factors can influence how long it takes to get a disability hearing:

• Geographic Area: As mentioned earlier, the location of the SSA hearing office can affect how long you’ll wait. Offices with fewer claims to process may have shorter wait times, while offices with a higher volume may have a backlog that delays your hearing.
• Workload of the ALJ: The specific ALJ handling your case will also affect the timeline. ALJs with heavier caseloads or other delays may take longer to issue a decision after the hearing.
• Complexity of Your Case: If your case is more complicated, it may take longer to prepare and may require more evidence to substantiate your claim. More complicated cases could also result in longer deliberations before a decision is issued.

Can You Track Your Disability Hearing Status?

Yes, you can track the status of your disability hearing by:

• Contacting the SSA: You can call the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to ask for updates on the status of your hearing and to inquire about the expected wait time.
• Using Your SSA Online Account: If you have an online account with the SSA, you can log in to check the status of your case, including any upcoming hearings or decisions.