How long before I get my decision after my hearing?

In most cases, you will receive your Notice of Decision within 6-8 weeks of the hearing, however some Judges have a longer backlog. If all of the medical evidence is not submitted prior to the hearing, and the Administrative Law Judge has left the record open to receive more records, this 6-8 week timeline will begin when the records are received and the record closes. About 1-2 weeks after you receive the Notice of Decision, you will get a Notice of Award which explains any backpay you are due and how much your monthly payments will be. When you receive the second letter, the Notice of Award, you can contact the Social Security Administration to get your payment method set up.