How long is the norm to find out after ALJ hearing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

Just curious is anyone knows how long it takes to get a decision. I had my hearing November 9th 2016. It’s almost February 2018 and online it’s just says processing have no idea what that means. Also isn’t it a good thing or bad that it is taking this long. I heard denials usually happen quickly but I don’t know if that’s true. Anything anyone could tell me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Bryan
Thu, 02/08/2018 - 09:12 Permalink

Hi there,
Every case is different, and so times can vary. Hang in there!

Anonymous (not verified)
Tue, 02/27/2018 - 23:29 Permalink

I was told 2 to 4 months. Your saying you've waited 2 yrs and 4 months ? Wow..

Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 03/05/2020 - 23:14 Permalink

It's been 3yrs since I first applied for SSDI. I just had my 2nd hearing with ALJ last month. My atty called at about a week after court and told me that if I call him once a week, he can find out if I'm approved or not. He won't know how long till I get checks, but at least I don't have to wait months at a time to know the decision.

mts

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Fri, 03/06/2020 - 13:34 Permalink

Hi,

It is a good idea to keep in touch with your attorney even after you know the decision because they will receive their payment before you start receiving yours so that will give you a bit of an idea of when the checks will start coming in.

SAT (not verified)
Fri, 07/10/2020 - 12:32 Permalink

I began asking Questions in this forum some time last year after my ssdi process began (application June 3, 2019). I have observed many in the forum inquire about the application process and how long the process takes. I know it is different for every one personally and regionally. However, I wanted to share my experience with hopes that it may help some other’s concerns. Although, I have several debilitating conditions and one major condition from birth (years of medical records and several major surgeries throughout my life), my initial application was denied at the DDS level (September 9, 2019). I was devastated because due to my declining health I was forced to retire early with my only source of income being my retirement pension check per month. In addition I was in no condition physically to return to work as the SSA Disability Determination Specialist had written “I was able to do various jobs in the nation industry, possibly having to accept one at a much lesser rate of pay” in the denial letter. After the tears through all of my pain, I immediately contacted and hired a disability attorney. Wisest choice! My attorney immediately filed an appeal for reconsideration (September 17, 2019) while I sat in the office. My online account went into the Appeal Review status on that same date! Then the wait began...on October 9, 2019 my files were sent to Adminstrative Law Judge at the Office of Hearings. Then more waiting... On January 30, 2020 I received a letter stating that a disability hearing Is scheduled with an ALJ for May 28, 2020. Another notice regarding the hearing was received in late February indicating the judge’s name, including the location, date and time of the hearing. Then the pandemic came. My attorney contacted me the week before my hearing to give me a choice of postponing my hearing or doing it virtually by telephone due to the SS offices being closed to the public. I hesitantly chose to do it virtually. Now, I am glad I did! My hearing was held on May 28, 2020. I received the ALJ decision letter “fully favorable” dated May 29, 2020 exactly a week after the hearing! God is good! Yes, my case was Approved! Now waiting for my benefits to begin. On yesterday morning I noticed that my online account was updated with my ssdi files being sent to the SEPSC. Last night my online account has been updated with “my profile” option, allowing me to update my direct deposit info for payments and the verification letter link showing my monthly benefits amount. Waiting on the award letter to come with all of the other backpay amount and other important details.

mts

In reply to by SAT (not verified)

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 11:21 Permalink

Hi There,

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am glad that you found the virtual hearing was still effective and that is good to know for anyone that is going through that stage.

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