Q. When Can I Expect a Hearing on My Claim?

Due to the high volume of appeals in Social Security cases, it often takes several months before each level of an appeal is decided. You will typically receive several months’ notice before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, and your attendance at the hearing is expected unless you have an extraordinary reason for being unable to attend. The exact duration between appeals can vary, and there is limited action that you or your lawyer can take to expedite the process, considering the significant backlog of cases awaiting a hearing. Following the hearing, the ALJ should provide a favorable or unfavorable decision within ninety (90) days.