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

Key takeaways

• It usually takes six to eight months to get an initial disability decision after applying.

• Unfortunately, most initial disability applications are denied. If you decide to appeal, the whole process can take two years before you get a final decision.

• You can make the process easier and less complex by hiring a disability lawyer.

“When will I get help?” is one of the most common questions people ask when applying for disability.

After all, you’re going through this process to get the benefits you need, and you could use that support as soon as possible.

We’ll explain how long the typical disability application process takes, the length of each phase, and how long you’ll wait to get paid after approval.

How long does it take to get approved for disability?

From the time you submit your application until you get approved for disability benefits can take more than two years for people who need to appeal and go to a hearing. On the bright side, your first paycheck will likely include months or even years of back pay benefits.

How long does it take to get your disability decision (approval) letter?

According to the Social Security Administration, it takes six to eight months to get an initial disability decision after applying. If the SSA denies your initial application and you decide to appeal, the appeal process can take two years before you get a final decision. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can set that process in motion.

Timeline by stage

Let’s look at each phase of the application process and how long you can expect to wait.

Application

During this time, your Disability Determination Services (DDS) office may ask for more details and materials when considering your disability application. You’ll have 10 days to submit any of that supplementary paperwork. 

To make this stage go as smoothly as possible, call your local field office to confirm they receive your application and materials right after you send them. Then, when DDS reaches out to you for more information or forms, respond to them by the deadline given on the letter. 

If you have a disability lawyer, they will fax or upload the materials and use receipts to ensure the DDS has them to keep your application moving forward.

Reconsideration

On average, 64% of disability applications are denied. After your first rejection, you’ll have 60 days to submit for reconsideration — your appeal to have your application considered again. If you don’t apply for reconsideration within 60 days, you will have to start your application over.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and your DDS office can take at least 100 days to process them. As of late 2025, reconsiderations take an average of 212 days to process. Once the SSA processes your reconsideration, they’ll send you another acceptance or rejection.

Hearing

The SSA rejects more than 90% of reconsiderations, and at that point, you’ll schedule a hearing in front of a judge for an appeal. This hearing occurs an average of 9 months later, but this varies widely by city.

You will receive your hearing date at least 75 days in advance. If you have a lawyer, they’ll confirm the hearing date and prepare materials with you.

After you attend the hearing, you’ll get a final decision from the judge within about 90 days.

Some applicants may get approval on their first application and won’t have to go through reconsideration or a hearing. This situation happens for certain conditions and in other rare cases.

How long until your first check?

Once the SSA approves your benefits, you should get your first payment within 60 days.

SSA pays SSDI the month after it’s due. For example, they’ll pay a payment due in January 2026 in February 2026.

The SSA pays on a set schedule determined by the day you were born. Here’s when the SSA will send out your check:

• If you were born on the 1st through the 10th: Second Wednesday of the following month

• If you were born on the 11th through the 20th: Third Wednesday of the following month

• If you were born after the 20th: Fourth Wednesday of the following month

For instance, someone born on May 6th will receive their first payment on the second Wednesday of the following month.

You will get back pay around the same time as your first check. For SSDI, the SSA officially considers benefits to begin during the sixth month after the date they determined that you became disabled. They count back pay as any payments due since that sixth month.

Make the process easier by hiring a disability lawyer

The disability application process is long and complex, and about half of applicants who make it to the hearing phase get approved for benefits. A good lawyer will give you the best chance to win your hearing (you’re three times more likely to win benefits with representation than without it).

Atticus can help find the ideal lawyer for your disability case who will help you get through each phase of the application. All our services and advice are always free.

Find a lawyer with Atticus today.

The Bottom Line

The disability application process is long and complex. On average, it takes six to eight months to receive an initial decision on your disability application, and if your application is denied and you decide to appeal through a hearing, the entire process can take around two years. A good lawyer can help get you through each phase of the application.

Frequently asked questions about getting approved for disability

How long does it take to get approved for disability?

It can take seven to eight months to receive an initial decision on your disability application, and if your application is denied and you decide to appeal through a hearing, the entire process can take around two years. On the bright side, your first check should include months — or even years — of back pay benefits.

Does my medical condition affect my chances of winning disability?

It is easier to qualify for Social Security disability benefits with certain conditions. For example, the SSA will automatically find a terminal illness medically eligible but is less likely to approve disability for mental health conditions like depression. Learn more about what conditions qualify for SSDI and SSI.

Can I increase my chances of winning benefits?

Your two best strategies for success are to have strong medical records and to get professional help from a disability lawyer. The SSA may approve your application faster if you have robust medical documentation of your condition. Applicants with representation are also three times more likely to win benefits at a hearing.

Is it easier to apply for SSDI or SSI?

SSDI and SSI use the same application and have the same medical requirements. The technical requirements (income and work history) do vary by program.

Which will pay me more, SSI or SSDI?

SSDI pays more than SSI. In 2027, the maximum possible SSDI benefit is $4,188, and the maximum SSI benefit is only $1,491. You’re unlikely to get the maximum, though. Learn more about how SSDI and SSI are calculated.

Does where I live affect how much I get from SSDI or SSI?

No, where you live doesn’t affect how your SSDI benefits are calculated. Average benefit amounts do vary by state, but that’s because of differences in income, work history, or other personal factors. If you receive SSI, some states have a supplement that increases the total award.