Judges widely vary in their decision-making timetable, in part because of differing caseloads. A rough estimate for a decision is one to two months from the hearing date at the earliest, and sometimes up to six months, particularly if additional evidence is submitted. You will receive the decision, as will your attorney. A favorable decision is sent on to one of the Administration's processing centers for the computation of your benefits and you should not expect to receive any benefits until a separate Certificate of Award is issued, usually two to three months after the favorable decision. You will generally receive any retroactive benefits shortly after the award certificate issues, and current benefits, if appropriate, will begin at about the same time. Regrettably, there is virtually nothing we can do to speed up the payment process.