Step 1: Reconsideration (Takes 1 to 3 Months)

After receiving your denial letter, you must request reconsideration within 60 days. A different SSA representative will review your case, including any new evidence you submit.

• Most decisions at this stage take 1 to 3 months.
• Make sure to provide any updated medical records to strengthen your case.

Step 2: Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (Takes 12 to 18 Months)

If reconsideration is denied, the next step is requesting a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You must do this within 60 days of the reconsideration denial.

• It typically takes 12 to 18 months to get a hearing scheduled.
• You will present your case with testimony and documentation.

Step 3: Appeals Council Review (Takes 6 Months or Longer)

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review from the Appeals Council within 60 days.4

• The council may uphold the decision, review your case, or send it back to the ALJ.
• This stage can take 6 months or longer, depending on the complexity.

Step 4: Federal Court Review (Takes 12 Months or More)

If the Appeals Council denies your request or doesn’t change the ALJ’s decision, you may file a lawsuit in federal court.

• This is a legal proceeding and may take a year or longer to resolve.

How Long the Entire SSDI Appeal Can Take

From the initial reconsideration to a possible federal court case, the entire SSDI appeal process in Connecticut may take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 years or more. Staying organized and prepared at every stage is key to moving through the process as efficiently as possible.