It takes about three to four months for Social Security to make an initial decision. This decision is made by a state agency that contracts with Social Security to review the evidence and make decisions. This time can vary somewhat depending on the complexity of the claim and whether Social Security decides it has enough evidence to approve or deny the claim.If the disability examiner decides that SSA needs more evidence to make a decision they may schedule an examination by a doctor that they choose. This doctor or psychologist will be paid by Social Security and will write a report findings of their examination..