The latest average processing time statistics for Social Security hearing offices around the country have been published by the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR).

As of the end of January 2015, the average processing time for the Portland, Maine hearing office is now 443 days, which is just a week shy of 15 months. Processing time runs from the date of the hearing request to the day a decision is issued. The 443 days is an average. Some claims are resolved more quickly, but a claim that requires a hearing and a written decision may take even longer.

The processing time has been lengthening at hearing offices around the country, and it is causing real hardship to those Social Security disability claimants waiting for their hearing.