Average Wait Times for Disability Benefits in Georgia
For many people in Georgia who we help win Social Security Disability benefits, the disability attorneys at Silver & Archibald have been seeing it take 12-14 months for people to get through the first steps of seeking disability benefits:
- Getting an answer from your application
- Filing your first appeal if you’re denied (called requesting a “reconsideration”)
The overall averages the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides in its numbers are more optimistic, but they may include special cases that move faster. As of 2025, this is what Social Security was reporting:
- Initial Application: On average, 6–8 months to get a decision. Some Georgia applicants may wait up to 9–11 months because of the volume of cases at different SSA offices.
- Reconsideration (First Appeal): If you’re denied at the initial stage and appeal, Social Security says expect another 4–6 months before you get a reconsideration decision.
- Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, the next step is requesting a hearing. As of mid-2025, average times to reach ALJ hearings Georgia were:
- Atlanta Downtown: 7.0 months
- Atlanta North: 7.0 months
- Covington: 7.0 months
- Macon: 6.5 months
- Savannah: 6.0 months
Compared to many states where reaching hearings can take a year or more, Georgia’s averages are shorter but still require patience and persistence.
And considering the time it takes to get through the first steps of applying and appealing, by the time you reach your hearing it’s almost guaranteed to have been well over a year since you started this journey, maybe two years.
Another thing to know is that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits come with a built-in, five-month waiting period after your official disability begins until you start getting monthly checks.
But usually, you’ve already waited so long that your benefits will start right after you’re approved. You don’t have to wait another five months. You’ve already put in that time. Five months’ worth of benefits, however, are subtracted from your backpay.
Don’t go through months of uncertainty alone. Silver & Archibald’s Georgia disability attorneys will stay on top of Social Security for you, so your case doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, and you get the benefits you deserve in the end.
What Shapes Your Wait for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Your own disability claim timeline can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Local SSA workload: Some Georgia Social Security offices handle more claims than others.
- Case complexity: Multiple medical conditions, a long medical history with significant time passed since you first became ill, difficult-to-document medical conditions, and many other factors can take more time to evaluate.
- Missing or delayed records: If the SSA has to repeatedly request your medical evidence, your case will slow down. This could be an issue with your medical providers responding, your responses to the SSA’s requests for information, or Social Security’s own problems keeping track of records.
- Administrative backlogs: Staffing levels at hearing offices in Georgia, such as Atlanta or Macon, can impact your wait.
The SSA notes that wait times depend on how quickly they can collect medical evidence, whether you need to attend a consultative medical exam, and whether your case is pulled for a quality review.
Waiting for disability benefits in Georgia, whether in Athens, Atlanta, Savannah, or anywhere in the state, can be stressful and discouraging.
So the Social Security Disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald serve as your guide and your friend in an unfriendly process. In fact, our team of lawyers has won more benefits for people than any other Georgia-based disability law firm, according to Social Security numbers.
The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start getting this life-changing financial relief.
Get to Know Silver & Archibald Disability Attorneys
Legal cases involving your health struggles are highly personal matters. When you’re looking for help, you want someone who treats you with the personal care, respect, and dignity this moment requires.
Answers to Common Questions About Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a huge program with a vast set of rules. As a resource for you as you sort out your disability claim, the disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have prepared answers to some of the most common questions people have.
X
By providing the information above, I grant permission for a licensed insurance agent from Silver & Archibald to call, text, or email me regarding my Medicare health plan options including Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans.
The person who will be discussing plan options with you is contracted by a Medicare Health Plan or Prescription Drug Plan and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or Federal Medicare program. Calls may be made by auto dialer, text or robocall and are for marketing purposes. Cellular carrier charges may apply. You can change permission preferences at any time by calling 706-410-9292. There is no obligation to enroll. Signing this form does NOT affect your current enrollment, nor will it enroll you in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Prescription Drug Plan, or other Medicare plan. This is a solicitation for insurance.