Why does it take so long to get disability benefits?

Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration is overwhelmed by the amount of disability claims they have.  The staff shortages at the Social Security Administration have been well documented over the years.  The system was never set up to facilitate the volume of applications they get on a daily basis.  Each application requires a tremendous amount of time spent by Social Security in gathering medical records and setting up exams with Social Security's doctors in order to determine your eligibility.  Most claims are denied at the initial level as well as the reconsideration level prior to a hearing before an Administrative law Judge (ALJ).  Once your claim is before an ALJ you have a better chance of obtaining a favorable result.