If you recently applied for SSDI or plan to, you might ask, ‘How long does it take to get approved for SSDI?’ Unfortunately, no single answer fits everyone. Processing times can vary widely based on your specific case and the Social Security Administration’s current workload.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect when applying for SSDI, why the process can take so long, and what options may be available to help speed things up, especially if you’re dealing with a severe or terminal condition.
In this article about how long it takes to get approved for SSDI:
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Key Takeaways
- The average wait time for an initial SSDI decision is about 7 months, but wait times have been decreasing.
- Long wait times are due to limited staffing and resources, as well as a high volume of applications received.
- The SSA has two programs to speed up SSDI claims: Compassionate Allowances (CAL) and Quick Disability Determinations (QDD).
How long does it take to get approved for SSDI?
As of mid-2025, the average wait time for an initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) decision is about 7 months, or roughly 217 days.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) approved only about 38% of applications at this stage, according to its 2022 Workload Data.
Don’t let a denial discourage you. If your initial SSDI claim is denied, you have the right to appeal, but keep in mind that the appeals process can extend your wait time by six months or more.
The SSA approves about 15% of applicants during the first level of appeal, called reconsideration. If you’re denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), where approval rates rise significantly. About 51% of applicants receive benefits at this stage. However, despite efforts made to reduce wait times, this process unfortunately isn’t quick. In 2023, the national average wait time at the hearing level was 372 days, with claimants in some locations experiencing an average of nearly 700 days.
Each level of appeal can add months or even years to the process, so it’s essential to act quickly and respond promptly to any communication from the SSA to help avoid unnecessary delays.
Why does it take so long to be approved for SSDI?
You can understandably feel frustrated by the long wait for an SSDI decision. Several key factors contribute to these delays, including:
- High volume of applications: The SSA processes a large number of disability claims every year. In 2024 alone, the SSA received 1,937,040 applications, which is an increase of 32,405 compared to 2023. This growing demand places a significant strain on the system and contributes to longer wait times.
- Limited staffing and resources: In the spring of 2025, federal budget cuts led to the loss of 7,000 SSA employees and the closure of several regional offices across the country.
The SSA hired about 59,600 people in 2023, but high attrition and reduced hiring in 2024 largely offset those gains. In its 2024 Challenges Report, the agency acknowledged it needs more funding to rebuild staff, shorten wait times, and improve the applicant experience.
With fewer staff and offices to handle an increasing number of applications, delays have unfortunately become more common.
Are there ways to get your SSDI claim approved faster?
The SSA offers two special programs that are specifically designed to speed up the SSDI application process: Compassionate Allowances (CAL) and Quick Disability Determinations (QDD).
The CAL program fast-tracks disability claims for applicants with serious conditions that clearly meet the SSA’s standards, such as certain cancers, brain disorders, and rare childhood illnesses. If you qualify, your case may be processed in just days or weeks, rather than months.
The QDD program is similar to CAL, as this program uses a computer-based model to flag applications that are likely to be approved and have easily accessible medical evidence. Identifying these cases early allows the SSA to prioritize and fast-track their review.
How Woods & Woods can help
Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.
Get the benefits you earned.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait time to receive an initial decision on an SSDI application can vary depending on several factors. If your condition qualifies for the Compassionate Allowances program or the Quick Disability Determinations program, you may see an approval within weeks. However, most people who apply could wait several months before receiving a decision about their SSDI claim.
The SSA offers two fast-track programs, Compassionate Allowances (CAL) and Quick Disability Determinations (QDD), to quickly identify severe or terminal cases. If you qualify, your application could be approved in days or weeks instead of months.
Lori Underwood
Lori Underwood received her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. She previously practiced Social Security disability and personal injury law and was a juvenile court attorney.
She has been an attorney at
Woods & Woods since 2014.
