How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability Benefits in Indiana?

If you live in Indiana and can’t work due to a serious medical condition, you may be wondering:

How long will it take to get approved for Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSI) benefits?

The truth is, disability benefits can take several months to several years depending on how far your case goes in the system.

At Crossroads Disability, we help clients across Indiana navigate every stage as quickly and smoothly as possible.

SSDI Decision Timelines in 2025

Here’s what you can generally expect:

Initial Application:
3 to 6 months to get a decision.
Around 30–40% of people are approved at this stage.
Reconsideration Appeal:
4 to 6 months.
Approval rates drop — usually 10–15% win here.
Hearing Before a Judge (ALJ):
12–18 months in Indiana as of 2025.
This is where most people finally win their case with a lawyer’s help.

✅ The sooner you appeal, the sooner your case moves forward.

Why It Takes This Long

The SSA system is overwhelmed with applications. Delays happen because:

Backlogs at Indiana SSA offices and hearing centers
Requests for more medical evidence
Slow processing times for reconsideration
COVID-era delays still affecting some office operations

How to Speed Up Your Disability Case

While you can’t control everything, there are ways to avoid unnecessary delays:

✔️ Hire a disability lawyer early
✔️ Make sure all medical records are submitted
✔️ Respond quickly to SSA requests
✔️ Appeal on time — don’t miss deadlines

At Crossroads Disability, we handle all of that for our clients — so they don’t lose out on benefits because of paperwork mistakes or missed hearings.