How long after SSDI hearing does Social Security take to make a decision? Still waiting after 2 months

my decision took almost 11 weeks after the hearing. SSDI system is sooooo slow. The waiting is the worst part cuz ur just stuck not knowing wat to do. My lawyer told me anything from 2-4 months is normal these days. Hang in there!

11 weeks? Ugh, that's so discouraging. Did you end up getting approved at least? I'm just worried the longer it takes, the worse it is for my case.

The timeframe varies considerably depending on your location and the ALJ's caseload. The national average is currently about 60-90 days from hearing to decision, but some hearing offices are taking up to 120 days. The delay doesn't necessarily indicate a denial - sometimes approvals take longer because the judge has to determine onset date and calculate back benefits.You can request a status update from the hearing office in writing. While it probably won't expedite the process, it creates a record of your inquiry. If you're experiencing dire financial hardship (eviction, utilities being cut off, inability to afford medications), you can request a dire need expedite, but these are granted sparingly.

Thank you for that information! I didn't know about requesting a status update in writing - I'll definitely try that. I'm not quite at the dire need stage yet, but getting close. Really hoping I hear something in the next few weeks.

I went through this last year. The wait after the hearing was brutal - took about 70 days for me to get my decision. One thing that helped me was checking the status through my MySocialSecurity account. Sometimes it will update there before you receive the official letter.Also, in my experience, the delay had absolutely nothing to do with whether it was an approval or denial (mine was approved). It's just that the ALJs have to write up detailed explanations for their decisions, and they're handling hundreds of cases.If you're really struggling financially while waiting, check if your state has any temporary disability assistance programs. Some states offer emergency assistance while SSDI claims are pending.

Thanks for the suggestion about checking my online account. I've been checking it almost daily but no changes yet. I'm in Florida and unfortunately, they don't seem to have much in the way of temporary assistance while waiting. I'm glad to hear the delay didn't mean bad news in your case!

The judge HAS to write up his decision and then it goes to theses ppl called decision writers who draft everything up all formal-like. Then it goes BACK to the judge for review. Then to another person who does quality review. Then finally to the ppl who actually mail it out. Each step takes forever!!!!!! Its like they WANT us to suffer while waiting.

Exactly! And don't forget that they're still understaffed from the pandemic. My cousin works for SSA (not disability, but still) and says they have like half the staff they need. The whole system is designed to make people give up, I swear.

Have you tried using Claimyr to reach someone at Social Security? I was stuck in a similar situation (though mine was post-approval payment issues) and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Someone here recommended Claimyr.com and they got me through to a live SSA agent in about 20 minutes. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with was able to see notes on my file that weren't visible in my online account. Might be worth trying if you're desperate for an update on your case status.

I've never heard of this service, but I'm definitely going to look into it. At this point, I'd try anything to get some information. Even if they just tell me \

I used that Claimyr thing too. worked great but the lady I got still couldn't tell me much about my case lol. said it was

I waited 4 months after my hearing and got denied anyway!! The whole system is rigged against us. My lawyer said most people get denied the first time no matter what. Now I'm on my second appeal and wait will be even longer. Don't get your hopes up, they make everyone wait forever then deny them anyway.

While it's true that initial applications have a high denial rate (about 65-70%), the approval rate at the ALJ hearing level is much better - around 50%. It varies significantly by judge though, some ALJs approve over 70% of cases while others approve less than 30%. If you're working with a reputable disability attorney, they should be familiar with the judges in your hearing office and their approval tendencies.

While you're waiting, make sure all your medical records are up to date. If you've had any new treatments, doctor visits, or medication changes since your hearing, have your lawyer submit these updates. Sometimes this can actually help speed up a decision if they were waiting on more evidence.Also, check if your congressperson's office can help. They sometimes have liaisons who can inquire about the status of your claim. I didn't try this personally, but I've heard it works for some people.

That's a great point about the medical records. I did have a follow-up with my pain management doctor last week. I'll definitely ask my lawyer to submit that update. And I hadn't thought about contacting my congressperson - might try that if another month goes by with no news.

btw dont think bad news just cuz its taking forever. my friend got approved but waited like 4 months after hearing. i got denied and only waited 6 weeks. its random i think

Thanks for sharing that - it helps to know there's really no pattern to it. The uncertainty is just so hard to deal with.

I'm in a similar boat - had my hearing 10 weeks ago and still waiting. The anxiety is killing me! What's helped me cope is setting up a routine where I only check my online account twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) instead of obsessively checking daily. I also started keeping a journal of all my symptoms and limitations while waiting, just in case I need it for an appeal. The financial stress is real though - I've had to apply for food assistance and reached out to local churches for help with utilities. Hang in there, we're all in this together!

I'm about 6 weeks post-hearing myself and completely understand the anxiety you're feeling. One thing my lawyer mentioned that might help is that some hearing offices send out a "bench decision" letter if the judge made their decision right at the hearing, but most cases require the full written decision process which takes much longer. For what it's worth, spinal fusion complications are often viewed favorably by ALJs, especially when combined with secondary conditions like fibromyalgia. The fact that the judge seemed sympathetic is actually a really good sign - they're usually pretty good at maintaining neutral expressions if they're leaning toward denial. I've been trying to stay busy with low-impact activities (gentle stretching, reading, crafts) to keep my mind off the waiting. Some days are harder than others, but we've made it this far through the process. Sending positive thoughts your way!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - had my hearing 9 weeks ago and still waiting! The financial stress is absolutely brutal. One thing that's helped me a little is calling 211 (the United Way helpline) - they connected me with some local resources I didn't know existed, including a food bank and a program that helps with prescription costs. Also, if you have any chronic pain medications, check if the manufacturer has a patient assistance program - I was able to get my fibromyalgia meds for free through one of these programs while I wait. The uncertainty is the hardest part, but we just have to keep pushing through. Your case sounds strong with the spinal fusion complications - those are usually pretty clear-cut for ALJs. Hang in there!

I'm so sorry you're going through this waiting period - I know exactly how nerve-wracking it is! I had my SSDI hearing about 8 months ago and waited 14 weeks for my decision (which was an approval, thankfully). The delay really doesn't indicate anything about the outcome - my lawyer explained that approvals can actually take longer sometimes because they have to calculate back pay dates and review all the medical evidence more thoroughly. One thing that helped me during the wait was creating a "decision day plan" - I wrote down exactly what I would do if approved (celebrate, call family, start planning) and what I would do if denied (immediate appeal timeline, gather additional evidence, etc.). Having that roadmap ready helped reduce some of the anxiety because I felt more prepared for either outcome. Also, if you haven't already, make sure your lawyer has submitted any recent medical records. I had a new MRI done between my hearing and decision that showed progression of my condition, and my lawyer said that additional evidence helped strengthen my case. The 2-month mark is still well within normal range, even though it feels eternal when you're living it. Your case sounds strong with the spinal fusion complications and fibromyalgia - those are conditions that ALJs generally understand have significant functional limitations. Try to hang in there, and remember that thousands of us have been exactly where you are right now. You've got this!

I'm about 3 months into my own post-hearing wait, so I completely understand your frustration and anxiety! One thing that's helped me cope is remembering that we've already made it through the hardest part - getting to the hearing itself. That 15-month wait you mentioned is brutal, but you survived it and got your day in front of the judge. I've found that the ALJs who seem sympathetic during hearings often are genuinely considering approval, but they have to be thorough with their written decisions to avoid appeals from the government side. My lawyer told me that a judge who was leaning toward denial usually keeps a much more neutral demeanor throughout the hearing. For the financial stress, I'd suggest checking if your state has any emergency rental assistance programs or utility assistance that don't require you to be on SSDI yet. Many states expanded these programs and they're still available. Also, if you have any medical debt, most hospitals have financial hardship programs that can reduce or eliminate bills while you're awaiting your decision. The waiting is absolutely the worst part of this whole process, but you're not alone in it. Your combination of conditions sounds like it would clearly impact your ability to work, especially with surgical complications. Try to take it one day at a time - you've made it this far, and you can make it through the rest of the wait too!

I'm also waiting after my hearing - it's been about 7 weeks now and the uncertainty is really getting to me. What's helped me a little is joining some online support groups for people with chronic conditions. Even though we're all dealing with different health issues, there's something comforting about connecting with others who understand the daily struggle of living with disability while fighting for recognition from the system. I've also been using apps like Headspace for meditation when the anxiety gets really bad - the free version has some good breathing exercises that help when I start spiraling about "what if" scenarios. Your conditions definitely sound like they would significantly impact your ability to work consistently, which is exactly what the ALJ needs to see. I know it's easier said than done, but try to remember that you've already overcome so many hurdles to get this far. The decision will come when it comes, and in the meantime we just have to take care of ourselves as best we can. Sending you strength and hoping you get your answer soon!

I'm really sorry you're going through this stressful waiting period! I had my SSDI hearing about 6 months ago and waited 12 weeks for my decision, which ended up being an approval. The wait was absolutely agonizing, especially when you're already dealing with financial stress on top of your health issues. One thing that really helped me was reaching out to local disability advocacy organizations in my area. Many of them have emergency funds or know about resources that aren't widely advertised. I was able to get help with groceries and even a small utility payment through one of these groups while I waited. Also, don't lose hope because of the delay! My disability attorney told me that the judges often take longer on cases they're approving because they have to write more detailed explanations about functional limitations and onset dates. With your spinal fusion complications and fibromyalgia, you have well-documented conditions that clearly impact your ability to work. I know it's hard, but try to focus on taking care of your health while you wait. The stress of waiting can make chronic pain conditions worse, so do whatever you can to manage your stress levels. You've made it through 15 months of waiting just to get the hearing - you're stronger than you realize and you can get through this final stretch too!

I'm about 10 weeks post-hearing and completely relate to everything you're going through! The financial anxiety while waiting is almost worse than the original disability process itself. One thing that's helped me is setting up payment plans for utilities and medical bills - most companies are surprisingly understanding when you explain you're waiting for a disability decision. I also wanted to mention that if you're really struggling with basic needs, many food banks don't require any paperwork or proof of income - you just show up. I was hesitant at first because of pride, but the volunteers were so kind and understanding. Some even have personal care items and household supplies. Your case really does sound strong with the spinal fusion complications and fibromyalgia combination. Those are conditions that create clear, documented functional limitations that ALJs understand. The fact that the judge seemed engaged and sympathetic is genuinely a positive sign - they see so many cases that they're usually pretty good at maintaining poker faces when they're leaning toward denial. I know everyone says this, but try to hang in there just a little longer. Two months feels like an eternity when you're living it, but you're still well within the normal timeframe. You've already survived the hardest parts of this process!

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly stressful waiting period! I can really relate to the anxiety and financial stress - I went through the same thing about a year ago. My hearing was in February and I didn't get my decision until mid-May, so about 13 weeks total. It felt like the longest 13 weeks of my life, especially when money was so tight. A few things that helped me during the wait: First, I started calling my state's 211 helpline regularly to check for new assistance programs. They have updated listings of emergency rental assistance, utility help, and food programs that change frequently. Second, I reached out to my local legal aid office - even though they couldn't speed up my case, they connected me with some community resources I didn't know existed. For what it's worth, my decision ended up being an approval, and my lawyer said the length of time had nothing to do with the outcome - it was just the normal bureaucratic process. Your medical conditions (spinal fusion complications plus fibromyalgia) are exactly the type that ALJs typically understand create significant work limitations. I know it's easier said than done, but try to take this one day at a time. You've already made it through 15 months of waiting and appeals to get to the hearing - you're stronger and more resilient than you probably give yourself credit for. The decision will come, and hopefully it will be the positive outcome you deserve. Hang in there!