Once an application is filed, it often takes between 4 to 6 months for Social Security to make an initial decision on a Social Security disability case. 

Unfortunately, this is the "quick" part of the process. 

If a case has to go to hearing (the next stage), it can take from 6 to 18 months before the case is heard by a judge. Most commonly cases are heard around 12 to 14 months after the appeal is filed. A small number of cases are heard at around 6 months. And cases in outlying areas such as Alamosa, Grand Junction, even Ft. Collins may see wait times for hearings in excess of 14 months after the appeal. 

After the hearing, it commonly takes 30 to 90 days for a decision to be issued, followed by an additional 30 to 90 days for processing of benefits. 

Cases which go to hearing in Colorado often take approximately 24 months from beginning to end. 

Note: some attorneys and representatives estimate lower times. I am trying to provide an accurate estimate based on my experience in Colorado. I am not "white-washing" the facts. The amount of time a case takes is nearly entirely in the control of Social Security from how long the initial decision takes, to when a hearing is scheduled to when the decision is put into the mail. None of these are in the control of a representative. What a representative can do is to help prepare you and the case to avoid any additional delays.

Last updated on October 27, 2011 by stasiukfirm