Step 1: Reconsideration

The first step after a denial is reconsideration. In this stage:

• A different examiner from the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your case.
• You can submit additional medical evidence or updated records.
• The decision usually takes two to four months in Indiana.

Although many reconsideration requests are also denied, this step is necessary to move forward.

Step 2: Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). In Indiana:

• The average wait time for a hearing can be 8 to 14 months, depending on the office backlog.
• At the hearing, you or your attorney can present medical records, testimony, and expert witnesses.
• The judge will ask questions about your work history, health condition, and limitations.
• Decisions are typically mailed within a few weeks to a few months after the hearing.

This is often the stage where applicants have the best chance of winning benefits.

Step 3: Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, the next step is appealing to the Social Security Appeals Council. At this stage:

• The Council may uphold the judge’s decision, send the case back for another hearing, or overturn the denial.
• This review can take a year or more.

Step 4: Federal Court Review

If the Appeals Council denies your case, you have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court. This is the final stage of the SSDI appeal process. Federal court cases can take months or longer, depending on the court’s schedule and complexity of the case.

How Long Does the SSDI Appeal Process Take in Indiana?

The entire appeal process can take 1 to 3 years or more, depending on how far your case goes. The reconsideration stage is relatively short, but hearings and appeals can add significant delays. Having a knowledgeable representative can help reduce unnecessary setbacks.