Overview of the Disability Appeals Process

The SSA has four levels of appeal:

1. Reconsideration
2. Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
3. Appeals Council Review
4. Federal Court Review

The length of time your appeal takes depends on which level you're in and how complex your case is.

Reconsideration Timeline: 2 to 4 Months

If your initial application is denied, the first step is to request reconsideration. During this stage:

• A new SSA representative reviews your case and any new evidence.
• You typically get a decision within 60 to 120 days.

This stage is relatively fast compared to the ones that follow, but approval rates are still low at this level.

ALJ Hearing Timeline: 9 Months to Over 1 Year

If your reconsideration is denied, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This stage takes the longest—typically:

• 9 months to 18 months, depending on your region and the backlog at your hearing office.
• After the hearing, it can take an additional 2 to 3 months to receive the judge’s written decision.

Pro tip: The ALJ hearing is your best chance to win your case, so preparation is key.

Appeals Council Review Timeline: 6 Months to Over 1 Year

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review from the Appeals Council. This process takes:

• 6 months to 1 year, or sometimes longer.
• The Council can approve, deny, or send your case back for another hearing.

This stage tends to move slowly and often results in further delays before a final resolution.

Federal Court Review Timeline: 1 to 2 Years

If the Appeals Council denies your request or upholds the ALJ’s decision, your final option is to file a lawsuit in federal court. This process:

• Takes at least 1 year, and often up to 2 years.
• Involves legal arguments, briefs, and court procedures—not another disability hearing.

This is a complex process, and having a disability lawyer is strongly recommended at this stage.

Total Time from Initial Denial to Final Resolution

If your appeal goes through multiple levels, it could take 2 to 3 years or more to reach a final decision. However, many people win their cases at the ALJ hearing level, which typically happens within 12 to 18 months of filing the appeal.

How to Avoid Delays During Your Appeal

While you can’t control SSA backlogs, you can take steps to speed up your case and avoid unnecessary delays:

• File your appeal quickly (within 60 days of your denial).
• Submit complete, updated medical records early in the process.
• Respond to SSA requests promptly.
• Stay in contact with your disability representative or attorney.