How long does it take to appeal an SSD or SSI disability case?   The social security administration does not employ specific deadlines for case processing on SSD and SSI applications or appeals. This is very different from other types of programs, such as the types of programs that may be applied for at the Department of Social Services which have very distinct deadlines. The reason for the lack of processing deadlines on Social Security Disability and SSI disability claims is fairly easy to understand, however. Regarding the first item and speaking as a former disability examiner, I can state that obtaining medical records can be harder in some cases than in others, particularly when it involves attempts to locate older records. Also, some doctor's offices and hospitals are simply much slower at responding to record's requests. Regarding the second item, the disability evaluation process can sometimes take longer due to the fact that a claimant's medical records will be read, reviewed, and evaluated not only by the disability examiner who has been assigned to the case, but also by a physician (or pschologist for mental impairments) that is assigned to the examiner's processing unit, and by the disability examiner's unit supervisor. So, having said all this, how long does an appeal take? The first appeal, the reconsideration, can sometimes take longer than an initial claim. But, very often, reconsiderations are decided more quickly, simply because the claim is being looked at a second time by the same agency just a few weeks after the initial claim (i.e. the disability application) was processed. On average, reconsideration appeals take about 30-60 days. The second appeal, the disability hearing before a federal administrative law judge, can take considerably longer. After requesting a hearing, it can take 1-2 years to get a hearing date. This depends on where you live and how backed up your local hearing office is. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Apply Social Security Disability in Henderson NC What Are The Odds of Winning A Social Security Disability Appeal? How does the Social Security Disability Appeal Process work? Can You Appeal A Decision By A Judge On A Social Security Disability or SSI Case? If You Get Denied For Disability Should You appeal Or file A New Claim? If you appeal a Social Security Disability denial, how long does it take to receive a decision? How long does it take to appeal a disability case? Your Chances With SSDI Disability or SSI On the First Appeal, The Reconsideration Social Security Disability Appeal Deadlines Are Always 60 Days Doing the SSDI Appeal Online What is the process to file a Social Security Disability appeal? What is the Social Security Appeals Time Limit What If you intended an appeal of your Social Security Disability claim but missed the deadline? What Happens If You File A Late Social Security Appeal? (What is Good Cause?) What Are the Chances of Winning an SSA Disability Appeal? Apply for SSI Disability Benefits in South Carolina How long does it take to get a disability decision in South Carolina? How do you qualify for disability in South Carolina?