Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is often indicative of major personal challenges. The applicant has likely experienced significant medical issues. They may have been out of work for weeks or longer. They have mounting medical bills and daily expenses to address.
SSDI benefits provide financial support for people who cannot work because of their medical challenges. Workers earn the right to SSDI benefits through payroll contributions made to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Provided that they have accrued enough credits, people who cannot work due to medical issues may qualify for SSDI benefits.
Sometimes, people with debilitating medical conditions do not receive approval from the SSA when they apply. Instead, they have to appeal to get benefits. That process can leave the applicant without financial support for many months. The first stage of the appeals process is reconsideration. If that isn’t successful, then the applicant can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
How long do people generally need to wait for a hearing?
Applicants typically wait months to see a judge
There is typically a backlog of applicants waiting for an opportunity to have an administrative law judge review their case. People in need of SSDI benefits often wait a year or longer to finally secure approval during the appeals process.
Every field office has a different average wait time based on the volume of cases and the number of administrative law judges available to help. In many areas, people wait a year or even longer. Those in the Indianapolis area are lucky, as average wait times are somewhat lower than that.
According to data provided by the SSA, the average wait time for an SSDI hearing in Indianapolis is seven months. Of course, going more than seven months without income from employment can leave people in a very precarious financial position. The wait time may be much longer if their hearing isn’t successful and they have to pursue additional appeal options.
If they do secure approval during the appeals process, they may be eligible for backdated benefits. The SSA can provide them with lump-sum payments covering the full amount of benefits they should have received if the SSA had initially approved their application.
Applicants can increase their chances of success by securing help as soon as possible. Those who applied on their own can potentially seek out support throughout the SSDI appeals process. Having proper assistance can make a major difference for those dealing with disabling medical conditions and facing an initial rejection of their application.