The latest average processing time statistics for Social Security hearing offices around the country were published in the October 2013 Social Security Forum, a newsletter for NOSSCR members. 

The average processing time for the Portland, Maine hearing office is now 377 days, or just over a year. Remember, processing time runs from the date of the hearing request to the day a decision is issued. The 377 days is an average. Some claims are resolved more quickly, but a claim that requires a hearing and a written decision may take longer.

In my view, the processing time was hurt by the government shutdown. Although the hearing offices remained open during that time, the staff work came to a virtual standstill. And they have not recovered yet. I have a number of claims at the hearing level that are still "pending folder assembly," which means that the appealed claim has not been initially processed by the hearing office.

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