How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits?

For individuals unable to work due to a serious medical condition, Social Security Disability benefits can be a lifeline. These benefits provide essential income to cover medical expenses, housing, and daily living costs when regular employment is no longer possible. Yet one of the most pressing questions applicants have is: how long will it take to get approved?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Timelines vary widely depending on the type of claim, the strength of medical evidence, and whether the application is approved initially or requires one or more appeals. Working with experienced Indianapolis social security disability lawyers can help avoid unnecessary delays and improve your chances of success.

The Initial Application Timeline

The process begins with the initial application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). On average, it takes three to six months for the SSA to review a new claim. During this time, claims examiners gather medical records, review work history, and assess whether your condition meets the agency’s strict disability criteria.

However, delays are common. Missing medical documentation, inconsistent information, or incomplete work history details can cause the SSA to send requests for more evidence, which slows the review process. Some cases may take closer to eight months before a decision is reached.

Why Most Initial Claims Are Denied

It often comes as a shock to applicants that most initial disability claims are denied, sometimes for reasons that have little to do with whether the person is truly disabled. Applications may be rejected because the SSA finds the medical evidence insufficient, the applicant did not follow a prescribed treatment, or the work history does not align with eligibility requirements.

A denial at this stage does not mean you are ineligible. It simply means you must move to the next step in the process, which adds more time to the journey. This is one reason many applicants seek help from Indianapolis social security disability lawyers early on: to strengthen applications and reduce the risk of an avoidable denial.

Reconsideration and Its Delays

If an initial application is denied, the first level of appeal is called reconsideration. This is essentially a second review of your file by someone who was not involved in the initial decision. Reconsideration typically takes three to five months, but delays are common, particularly if new medical evidence is submitted.

Unfortunately, reconsideration results in approval for only a small percentage of applicants. Most must move forward to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

The Hearing Stage

The hearing is often where applicants finally see success, but it is also the stage with the longest wait times. In Indiana and across the country, the average wait for a hearing can range from 12 to 18 months. The backlog is caused by the sheer number of appeals and the limited number of judges available to review them.

At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present testimony, submit additional medical evidence, and have an attorney argue on your behalf. While waiting this long can be discouraging, hearings give applicants a much better chance of being approved compared to earlier stages.

The Appeals Council and Federal Court

If a judge denies your claim, you may request review by the Appeals Council. This review often takes another year, sometimes longer, and the Council may either uphold the denial, send the case back for a new hearing, or, in rare cases, approve the claim.

For applicants who pursue their case into federal court, the process can extend several years. While few claims reach this level, it underscores how lengthy the process can be if issues are not resolved in earlier stages.

Factors That Can Affect the Timeline

Several factors influence how long it takes to receive a decision, including:

• The completeness of your application: Missing forms or documentation can cause long delays.
• Medical evidence: Clear, detailed medical records tend to result in quicker decisions.
• Backlogs in your region: Some offices face longer wait times than others, especially for hearings.
• Legal representation: Applicants represented by attorneys are often better prepared and avoid procedural mistakes that slow cases down.

Because the SSA operates under strict rules, even a small error can add months, or even years, to the process.

Why Legal Guidance Speeds Things Up

While no attorney can make the SSA move faster, an experienced Indianapolis social security disability lawyer can reduce unnecessary delays by ensuring your paperwork is complete, your medical evidence is thorough, and your arguments are well-presented. Lawyers also keep track of strict deadlines so your case does not stall.

Just as importantly, legal support can make the long waiting periods less stressful. Having an advocate means you are not left wondering what comes next or how to respond when the SSA requests additional information.

Contact Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP

Waiting for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already struggling with health and financial challenges. The attorneys at Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP have years of experience guiding clients through the application and appeals process in Indianapolis and beyond.

Reaching out for legal support can help you avoid mistakes, strengthen your case, and give you the confidence that someone is fighting for your rights. Our team is ready to stand by your side and help you secure the benefits you need.