How long does it take to get SSDI approval in Georgia?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 11/07/2025
The initial approval time for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Georgia generally takes 3 to 5 months for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make a decision. However, the total process is often much longer, especially if the initial claim is denied, which is common. If you must appeal, the Reconsideration stage can add another 3 to 5 months. Should a second denial occur, the wait for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is the longest part, often taking 9 to 18 months in the Atlanta region. Therefore, while the first decision is relatively quick, most successful applicants in Georgia who appeal will wait over a year for final approval. The best way to potentially shorten this overall timeline is to submit complete and accurate medical evidence from the start.
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1. How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI Approval in Georgia?
The process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) approval in Georgia is often lengthy and depends heavily on whether your claim is approved at the initial application stage or requires an appeal. The typical timeline ranges from several months to over two years.
- The initial application decision from the Georgia Disability Determination Services (DDS) typically takes 6 to 12 months or more.
- Claims that proceed to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing due to initial denials can take 1.5 to 2.5 years or longer from the initial application date to final approval.
- Backlogs in the system at both the DDS and the ALJ hearing offices in Georgia (e.g., Atlanta, Macon, Savannah) can significantly extend the waiting period.
2. Timeline Breakdown by Stage
Each stage of the application and appeals process adds considerable time to the overall approval duration.
- Initial Application: 6 to 12+ Months. This is the first decision made by the Georgia DDS based on your application and medical evidence.
- Pro Tip: Submitting a complete, well-documented application from the start can help expedite this stage.
- Reconsideration (First Appeal): 4 to 12 Months. If your initial application is denied, you must file an appeal for reconsideration. This is often a slower process with a historically low approval rate.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing (Second Appeal): 6 to 9+ Months (Wait for a hearing date) + 1.5 to 3 Months (Wait for the decision after the hearing). This is often the longest phase.
3. Factors Influencing SSDI Processing Speed
The duration of your claim is affected by several variables that determine how quickly the Georgia DDS can reach a decision.
- Medical Records Gathering: The DDS must collect evidence from all your medical providers. If doctors' offices are slow to respond, your claim is delayed.
- Consultative Examinations (CE): If the DDS requires a special exam to clarify your condition, scheduling this can add several weeks or months to the process.
- Compassionate Allowances (CAL): Claims for certain severe conditions (like aggressive cancers) are fast-tracked through the CAL program, leading to decisions in a matter of weeks.
4. Payment After Approval
Once your SSDI claim is officially approved, there are final steps before benefits are released.

- Five-Month Waiting Period: There is a mandatory five full calendar month waiting period from the established date of disability onset before you are entitled to receive monthly benefits.
- Since the application process usually takes longer than five months, most applicants meet this requirement before approval.
- First Monthly Payment: Your first monthly benefit check is for the sixth full month of your disability.
- Back Pay: You will typically receive a lump sum of "back pay" to cover the benefits owed from your disability onset date (minus the waiting period) up to your approval date. This payment is processed shortly after approval.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
If you are a Georgia resident, the experienced team at Hogan Smith can simplify your journey by focusing on the crucial eligibility rules and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles.

- Determine Your Required Work Credits: We meticulously analyze your work history and earnings record to ensure you have achieved the necessary "insured status." Our team confirms you have enough of the required work credits from Social Security tax contributions to meet the SSA's financial eligibility rules based on your age.
- Strengthen Your Medical Evidence: We work to secure comprehensive medical records and physician statements that clearly document your severe, long-term disability and its impact on your ability to function. This is vital to satisfying the SSA’s strict criteria that your condition prevents Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for at least 12 months.
- Navigate the Five-Step Evaluation and Appeals: We guide your claim through the entire SSA sequential evaluation process, ensuring proper documentation at every stage, from initial application with the Georgia DDS to representing you during a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This dramatically improves your chances of approval, especially after a denial.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you are a resident of Georgia, the requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) center on two main areas: your work history and your severe medical condition. The initial application review by the Georgia DDS typically takes 6 to 12 months, but since most claims are denied, the appeals process frequently extends the total time to 18 to 30 months. To qualify, your disability must prevent you from earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit and be expected to last for at least 12 months. Contact us today for a free consultation to verify your eligibility and start your application process!
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