Dallas and Fort Worth hearing office wait times
If your disability claim reaches a hearing, an administrative law judge decides it — and the wait for that hearing is the longest part of the process. Social Security publishes an average processing time for each hearing office. We collect the Dallas–Fort Worth figures here and update them quarterly.
Current processing times
Figures not yet published on this page.
| Hearing office | Serves | Average wait | Cases pending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas (Downtown) | Dallas County and surrounding areas | Not yet published | Not yet published |
| Dallas (North) | North Dallas and Collin County | Not yet published | Not yet published |
| Fort Worth | Tarrant County and surrounding areas | Not yet published | Not yet published |
We publish these figures only once we have taken them from Social Security's current report. A wait time that is out of date is worse than none, because people plan around it. Call us and we will tell you the current figure for your office.
Source: Social Security Administration, Hearing Office Average Processing Time Ranking Report
What you can do while you wait
The wait is largely outside anyone's control, but what is in your file when the hearing arrives is not.
Keep treating, and keep the records coming
A gap in treatment is one of the most common reasons a claim fails at a hearing. Keep your appointments, and tell us about any new doctor, test or hospital stay so we can request those records before the hearing rather than after it.
Tell us if your situation becomes urgent
Social Security can move a hearing forward in limited circumstances, including terminal illness, a military service-connected injury, or a dire-need situation such as losing your home or being unable to get medical treatment. Tell us if any of these apply — we cannot ask for it if we do not know.
Tell us when anything changes
A new address, a new phone number, going back to work, or a change in your condition all affect your claim. A hearing notice sent to an old address is a missed hearing.
Common questions
How long does the Social Security disability process take in Texas?
An initial decision often takes several months; reconsideration adds more; and hearing wait times vary by office. Check the current average for the Dallas hearing office on Social Security's public processing-time page, which we link and update quarterly.
Do I need a lawyer for my Social Security disability hearing?
You are not required to have one, but a representative can gather medical records, obtain doctor opinions, prepare you for the judge's questions, and question the vocational expert. Attorney fees are paid only if you win, from past-due benefits.
How long do I have to appeal a Social Security disability denial?
Generally 60 days from the day you receive the denial notice. Social Security assumes you received it 5 days after the date on the letter. If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to show "good cause," so call an attorney right away.
Reviewed by Tatiana AlexanderLast reviewed
Waiting on a hearing?
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