If you are denied your benefits at the initial stage in these states and file an appeal your case will be put into a queue to wait for hearing. This could take from several months to several years as the hearing case backlog in these states is terrible. You should look into possible options that you may qualify for, such as a Pre-Hearing Review (SSR 97-2p: POLICY INTERPRETATION RULING TITLE II AND TITLE XVI: PREHEARING CASE REVIEW BY DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES) or dire needs (If you are facing utility shutoff, foreclosure on your house or bankruptcy due to waiting for your claim to be processed - make copies of any letters/notices you have received and send them to SSD/elected officials and your lawyer if you have one requesting a dire needs review of your case). These options if you qualify for them, can speed up your case or hearing waiting time.