What the wait time measures
SSA measures average processing time as the number of days from the hearing request to the final disposition, for all cases completed at each hearing office in the reporting period. The national figure shown here is the average across offices weighted by their dispositions.
Cases pending at hearing offices nationally: 351,895.
Fastest and slowest hearing offices
Fastest 10
- Jackson, MS · 217 days
- Little Rock, AR · 219 days
- Evansville, IN · 222 days
- St. Petersburg, FL · 223 days
- Savannah, GA · 225 days
- Charleston, SC · 227 days
- Lansing, MI · 228 days
- Paducah, KY · 231 days
- Fargo, ND · 231 days
- Kingsport, TN · 232 days
Slowest 10
- Fresno, CA · 352 days
- Phoenix (North), AZ · 348 days
- New York, NY · 344 days
- Springfield, MA · 330 days
- Seattle, WA · 329 days
- San Juan, PR · 325 days
- South Jersey, NJ · 321 days
- Shreveport, LA · 320 days
- Albany, NY · 314 days
- Bronx, NY · 312 days
All hearing offices ranked
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Social Security disability hearing?
In SSA's FY 2026 through July 31, 2026 report, the national average processing time at hearing offices was 261 days, about 8.6 months, from the hearing request to the decision.
Which hearing office is the fastest?
Jackson Hearing Office (Jackson, MS) had the shortest average processing time: 217 days.
Which hearing office is the slowest?
Fresno Hearing Office (Fresno, CA) had the longest average processing time: 352 days.
Can I speed up my hearing?
SSA can expedite certain cases, such as terminal illness, dire need or military service casualties. Ask the hearing office in writing and explain the reason.