Initial Application Phase

After submitting your disability application, the initial decision generally takes 3 to 5 months in Colorado. This timeframe can be influenced by:

• How quickly your doctors respond to requests for records
• Whether additional medical exams are needed
• The completeness of your initial application

Delays often happen when documentation is missing or incomplete.

Reconsideration Stage (If Denied)

If your initial application is denied, you can file for reconsideration, which is the first level of appeal. In Colorado, this step usually takes 2 to 4 months to receive a decision.

It’s important to submit any new medical evidence during this stage to strengthen your claim.

Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If your reconsideration is also denied, the next step is requesting a hearing before an ALJ. In Colorado, the average wait time for a hearing can range from 9 to 14 months, depending on:

• The backlog at your local hearing office
• The complexity of your case
• Availability of judges and scheduling

This is often the longest phase of the entire process.

Post-Hearing Decision

Once your hearing is completed, it typically takes another 2 to 3 months to receive a written decision from the judge. If your claim is approved, the SSA will begin processing your benefits.

If denied again, you can choose to appeal to the Appeals Council, which can take several more months or longer.

Total Timeline Overview

Depending on how far your case goes, a disability claim in Colorado can take:

• 3–5 months (Initial decision)
• + 2–4 months (Reconsideration, if denied)
• + 9–14 months (Hearing wait time)
• + 2–3 months (Post-hearing decision)

In total, a full disability case—from initial filing to a final decision—can take up to 2 years or more in some cases.