It does vary state to state in how long approvals take, but they have things in place now to speed up the process as much as possible. I live in a state that was extremely far behind, so much that they were using webcam judges from other states to hear appeals for some time and where 3 years or more could pass. But when they got serious about speeding it up they really did so. To be fair my county had never had anyone with a mental illness "fast-tracked" by the computer system before me but it can and does happen. (The fast tracking happens if the computer scans your paperwork and determines there is no point in reviewing your claim b/c you are so clearly going to be approved). I think the average here is now closer to a year, 18 months, if you go to the appeals part.