The quick answer is that it can take anywhere from about a month to several years or longer. Why is this? There are many variables at work here. Many cases are probably resolved in a time frame from several months to a year or year and a half as it takes about two months frequently for the initial decision and a year and a half to have a decision by the social security judge, if you have to go to that level. This is the usual timeframe in most parts of the country, but in other areas it can take nearly twice as long.

Some cases are won at the initial level as the condition is so severe and the medical evidence is so complete. Unfortunately as in all decisions made by human beings there is an element of chance as some disability adjudicators and some judges are much easier or much harder to convince than others. If social security has to send you out for a medical exam because your medical records are not complete this takes more time. This may be done at any level, whether the first or the second determination before going to a hearing before the social security judge which is the third level up. You may even be sent for a medical exam after having a hearing with the social security judge. In some cases the Judge may have you come back for a second hearing. Any time you are sent for an exam it will take at least about one month to schedule the exam with a doctor, have the doctor write his report and send it to the social security for review to see how it effects the decision.

Other things that can cause your case to take longer is that as the case develops it may be necessary to send for additional medical records. This can require repeat requests from busy doctors or hospitals. Sick and disabled clients that are continually having medical treatment even after they apply will also need to obtain the records for new visits, hospitalizations or tests. In some cases there are delays while the doctors write up the results of new tests that are key to finding of disability.

Not all cases are successfully resolved at the hearing level and, if they are not, there are additional appeals to the Appeals Council and to the Federal and even rarely the Supreme Court of the United States. In such a case you are probably talking seven years or more of wait.