The Honest Answer Nobody Wants to Hear, But Everyone Needs to Know

One of the first questions we hear from new clients is: "How long is this going to take?" The honest answer is longer than most people expect.

That's not meant to discourage you. It's meant to prepare you. At Cervoni Disability Law, we walk every client through exactly what to expect before we take a single step.

Stage One: The Initial Application (3–6 Months)

Once you file your SSDI application, the SSA reviews your work history, medical records, and reported limitations. A decision typically takes three to six months, sometimes longer.

Many applicants are denied at this stage, not because they don't qualify, but because the application wasn't complete or compelling enough. Whether your condition is a back injury, heart disease, diabetes, or severe depression, having Derek involved from the start significantly improves your chances of avoiding that first denial.

Stage Two: Reconsideration (3–5 Months)

If denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, and acting quickly is critical. This stage typically takes another three to five months, and most reconsiderations are also denied.

That's not the end. Reconsideration is a necessary stepping stone that moves you closer to the hearing stage, where approval rates are significantly higher. We handle every aspect of this process, so nothing important gets missed.

Stage Three: The ALJ Hearing (12–24 Months)

A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is where the most approvals happen, but wait times run twelve to twenty-four months, depending on your hearing office.

At this stage, you present your full case in person with an attorney advocating directly on your behalf. For clients with conditions ranging from chronic back disorders and COPD to PTSD and MS, this is where experience matters most. Cervoni has been representing clients at ALJ hearings for over 25 years, and it shows.

The Wait Is Hard, But You Don't Have to Do It Alone

The SSDI timeline is one of the most frustrating parts of an already stressful process. But most people who stay the course with proper representation ultimately get approved.

Cervoni Disability Law will be with you at every stage. Free consultation, no travel, no fee unless we win your case. Contact us online, let's get started today!