1. Average Initial Decision Time

For most applicants in Oregon:

• The average time to receive an initial decision on your SSDI or SSI application is about 3 to 6 months.
• Nationwide, the average is around 5 to 6 months, but Oregon’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) often falls within this general timeframe.

During this period, your application is reviewed for technical eligibility and then sent to DDS for a thorough medical evaluation.

2. Factors That Can Affect Processing Time

Several factors may cause your approval time to be shorter or longer:

• Completeness of your application: Missing information or incomplete medical records can cause delays while SSA requests additional documentation.
• Medical evidence: If your condition clearly meets SSA’s criteria and your records are detailed, decisions may come faster.
• Consultative exams: If SSA schedules you for a consultative examination with their contracted doctor, this adds extra weeks to the timeline.
• SSA workload and backlog: Processing times can vary by office workload and staffing levels across Oregon.

3. Reconsideration (First Appeal) Timeframe

If your initial claim is denied and you file a Request for Reconsideration:

• The average processing time for reconsideration in Oregon is around 2 to 4 months.
• This step involves another review by DDS, often without a hearing, but delays can still occur if new medical evidence is needed.

4. Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (Second Appeal)

If reconsideration is also denied and you request a hearing:

• The average wait time for a hearing in Oregon is currently 9 to 14 months, depending on the hearing office’s caseload.

At this stage, you will appear before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to present your case and provide testimony about how your condition prevents you from working.

5. Appeals Council and Federal Court

If your claim proceeds beyond the ALJ hearing:

• Appeals Council review: Generally takes 6 months or longer
• Federal court review: Can take 8 months to over a year

These final stages are lengthy but necessary if prior decisions were in error or lacked sufficient legal evaluation.

6. Overall Timeline Summary

Here is a quick summary of typical approval timelines in Oregon:

• Initial application decision: 3 to 6 months
• Reconsideration decision: 2 to 4 months
• ALJ hearing: 9 to 14 months from hearing request
• Appeals Council review: 6 months or more
• Federal court review: 8 months to over a year

While some applicants are approved at the initial stage, many will need to go through multiple appeal levels, which can extend the process to over two years in some cases.