The number of “aged” cases – cases pending for more than 900 (!) days dropped in 2007 from 63,700 to 108 during fiscal year 2007.
Fortunately, I do not see too many cases in Colorado that have been waiting more than two and half years for a hearing. Unfortunately, I still see the average wait time for hearings hover at about 12-14 months (occasionally faster, occasionally slower).
That is, 12-14 months after the initial appeal is filed. So, if you add the initial 4-6 months for the initial decision, 2-3 months for the hearing decision and another 2-3 months for processing of benefits, you are looking at about two year from beginning a Social Security case to payout of initial benefits.
While this may be less than 900 days, two years is still a long time to wait for help when you are disabled.
