You can expect to wait. The Social Security process is lengthy. From the time you file your initial application, to the time you receive your initial decision, could be approximately three to six months.
If you receive an unfavorable decision, you will file a request for reconsideration. The request for reconsideration will be processed, but this could also take three to six months. If you receive an unfavorable reconsideration, you ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge.
This is the lengthiest part of the process, as it can take from 12‐24 months in order to receive the hearing. Once you had your hearing, the judge can take from two to three months, um, to issue a decision.
During this entire process, however, an attorney’s office would be gathering medical evidence, preparing your file, and preparing you, so that when the hearing comes you’re ready to go.