- Author: Richard Stim
- Feb 23, 2026
If you've been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you're not alone — and you're not out of options. The appeals process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with a serious health condition and financial stress. One of the first questions people ask is: how long is this going to take?
The honest answer is that it depends on where you are in the process. But understanding each stage can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.
The Four Levels of SSDI Appeal in California
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. There are four levels, and each one comes with its own timeline.
1. Reconsideration
This is the first step after an initial denial. A different SSA reviewer takes a fresh look at your claim and supporting evidence. In California, reconsideration typically takes 3 to 5 months, though some cases move faster if the documentation is complete and straightforward.
Many people are denied at this stage as well, which can be discouraging. However, it's a necessary step before you can request a hearing.
2. Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
This is where the process gets longer — and where the outcome most often changes in the claimant's favor. After requesting a hearing, you can expect to wait 12 to 24 months in California before your case is scheduled.
California is home to some of the busiest SSA hearing offices in the country, particularly in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, which contributes to longer wait times compared to other states. During this period, it's critical to keep your medical records updated and stay in communication with your representative.
If you don't already have legal representation, this is the stage where working with a Social Security disability attorney can make a significant difference in your outcome.
3. Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ denies your claim at the California Social Security Office you can request a review by the SSA's Appeals Council. This stage can add another 12 to 18 months to your timeline. The Appeals Council doesn't hear new testimony — it reviews the existing record to determine whether the judge made a legal or procedural error. Some cases are sent back to an ALJ for a new hearing, while others are decided directly by the Council.
4. Federal Court
If the Appeals Council upholds the denial, your final option is to file a lawsuit in federal district court. This is a significant step that requires legal representation and can extend the process by another 1 to 3 years or more. Federal court appeals are rare, but they do succeed in some cases — particularly when there's a clear legal error in how the SSA handled the claim.
What Affects Your Wait Time in California?
A few factors can either speed up or slow down your SSDI appeal:
- Backlog at your local hearing office. Offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Oakland often have more pending cases than smaller regional offices. This directly affects how long you wait for an ALJ hearing date.
- How complete your medical records are. Missing or outdated documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays. The SSA needs clear, consistent evidence that your condition prevents you from working.
- Whether you qualify for expedited processing. If your condition is on the SSA's Compassionate Allowances List, or if you're experiencing severe financial hardship, you may be able to request expedited processing. Talk to a disability benefits attorney about whether you qualify.
- On-the-Record (OTR) requests. In some cases, your attorney can submit an OTR request asking the ALJ to approve your claim based solely on the written record, without scheduling a full hearing. This can significantly shorten wait times when the evidence is strong.
Total Time from Denial to Decision
If you go through all four levels of appeal, the process can take anywhere from 2 to 5 years or longer. Most claimants, however, resolve their cases at the ALJ hearing level — which means the realistic timeline for many people is 18 to 36 months from initial denial to a final decision.
That's a long time. But missing a deadline or failing to appeal within the allowed window means starting over entirely. Each level of appeal has a 60-day deadline (plus a 5-day mail allowance) from the date you receive your denial notice.
Should You Work with a Disability Attorney?
You have the right to represent yourself throughout the SSDI appeals process, but most people find it difficult to navigate the legal requirements, gather the right evidence, and present a compelling case on their own.
Experienced disability lawyers in California work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. Their fee is capped by federal law — typically 25% of your back pay, up to a set maximum. There's no upfront cost.
Having legal help from the start also increases your chances of a successful outcome, especially at the ALJ hearing stage, where the format and questioning can be difficult to handle without experience.
Want to file an SSDI Appeal in California? Contact a lawyer
Waiting months — or years — for a decision on benefits you need right now is genuinely hard. But staying informed about what to expect at each stage, keeping your medical documentation current, and working with an experienced attorney gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.
If you're in the middle of an SSDI appeal in California and want to understand your options, speaking with a qualified Social Security disability attorney is a good first step.
FAQs About SSDI Appeal in California
How long do I have to appeal an SSDI denial in California?
You have 60 days from the date you receive your denial notice, plus 5 additional days for mail delivery. Missing this window usually means you have to start a brand new application, which resets the entire timeline.
Can I speed up my SSDI appeal?
In some cases, yes. If you're terminally ill, experiencing dire financial hardship, or your condition qualifies under the Compassionate Allowances program, you can request expedited processing. An attorney can help you make this request properly.
What happens to my back pay while I'm waiting?
If you're ultimately approved, you're typically entitled to back pay going back to your established onset date (or up to 12 months before your application date, whichever is later). The longer the wait, the larger the potential back pay amount.
Is it worth appealing after a denial?
Yes, in most cases. Approval rates at the ALJ hearing level are significantly higher than at the initial application stage. Many people who were initially denied go on to win their cases on appeal — especially with legal representation.
Do I need a lawyer for an SSDI appeal in California?
You're not required to have one, but statistics consistently show that claimants represented by attorneys win at higher rates. Given that attorneys work on contingency and the stakes are high, most disability advocates recommend at least consulting with a Social Security attorney before your hearing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every SSDI case is different. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.