How Long Does a Social Security Disability or SSI Appeal Typically Take?

If your Social Security Disability or SSI claim is denied at the initial application stage, then most states require you to go through reconsideration as the first appeal. If you're in one of those states, it usually takes several months for them to make a decision.

Then, if you go beyond the reconsideration stage, or if your state doesn't have a reconsideration stage, you go to the hearing level. It can take up to one to two years to get to the hearing level, and, even then, once you've had a hearing, it can take up to three or four months or even longer for the judge to make a decision on your case.