Timeline varies dramatically by stage. Initial applications typically receive decisions within 3-5 months, though delays occur frequently. Reconsideration appeals take another 3-5 months. Hearing waits prove longest. South Carolina’s average hearing wait time in 2024 was slightly longer than the national average, with the Columbia hearing office having the shortest wait at 5.6 months. Some Beaufort residents wait 12-18 months or longer for hearings, depending on which hearing office handles their case. Federal court appeals add another 1-2 years. Total time from initial application through federal court can exceed 3 years. This is why applying promptly and building strong cases from the beginning proves so important. Every denial and appeal adds months to the process while you survive without income.