The latest average processing time statistics for Social Security hearing offices around the country were distributed by NOSSCR in the July 2010 Social Security Forum, a newsletter for its members.
The average processing time for the Portland, Maine hearing office is now 352 days, just two weeks shy of one year.
Processing time runs from the date of the hearing request to the day a decision is issued. The 352 days is an average. Some claims are resolved more quickly, but a claim that requires a hearing and a written decision may take longer.