When I have a Social Security Disability hearing coming up with a client, I like to prep them for the hearing a day or two before we go.  It usually takes 30-45 minutes and let's them know what its going to be like and hopefully put their minds at ease with what is to come.  After I ask all of my questions and give them an information overload about what will happen at their Disability hearing, I always ask if they have any questions.  One of the most common questions is whether the judge will give them a decision about their disability claim at the hearing.

The answer is probably not.  It is difficult to estimate, but I would say about 5-10% of my cases get an answer at the hearing and this usually only occurs if the judge has decided to approve your Disability claim at the end of the hearing.  Some judges will even tell you they have a policy that they will not give you an answer at the hearing.  The most common thing to happen is the judge will tell you they will review the records and testimony and write up their decision.  In my experience as a Cincinnati Disability lawyer, it usually takes about 2-3 to get a decision in the mail.  That said, I have gotten decisions within a couple weeks and I have gotten decisions almost a year later.  But again, the vast majority of Disability claims get their decisions around 2 months or so.

Since most people have waited a couple years just to get to this hearing level, it can be very frustrating to have to wait several more months for a decision.  Just remember that this is just part of the Social Security Disability process and does not necessarily indicate whether  your case will be approved.  Unfortunately, waiting is a major theme throughout Social Security Disability denials.