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Delays in SSDI Hearings Push 67% Into Mental Health Struggles

Written by
Sarah Aitchison
Attorney
Published December 11, 2024
Updated January 6, 2025
2 min read
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How long would you be willing to wait for a lifeline? For hundreds of thousands of Americans applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), this is not a hypothetical question. Our recent study highlights a growing crisis in the SSDI system, where applicants face months — sometimes nearly a year — waiting for a hearing. These delays come at a significant cost, with many individuals experiencing financial instability, emotional strain, and disrupted lives.

We surveyed 823 SSDI applicants and analyzed Social Security Administration data to understand the scope and impact of these delays. From the states with the shortest wait times to the regions where delays lead to foreclosures, evictions, and mental health struggles, this article unpacks the critical findings. Whether you're navigating the SSDI process or advocating for change, our report sheds light on the challenges applicants face and the support they need.


Key takeaways

  • Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska have the shortest SSDI hearing wait times, averaging just 6 months.

  • Colorado, Nevada, and Washington have the longest SSDI hearing wait times, averaging 10, 9.5, and 9.3 months respectively.

  • 58% of SSDI applicants are unaware of the resources designed to help them during the application process.

  • 1 in 9 applicants have experienced eviction or foreclosure due to delays.

  • 90% of SSDI applicants incur significant expenses during delays, with over half relying on personal savings (57%) or borrowing from friends and family (53%).

  • 67% of SSDI applicants report that the hearing wait has negatively affected their mental health.

  • 40% of SSDI applicants said they would move to another state if it meant faster processing times.


SSDI hearing wait times

mapping-the-wait

  • The nationwide average wait time for an SSDI hearing is 7.7 months.

  • Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska have the shortest SSDI hearing wait times, averaging just 6 months.

  • Colorado, Nevada, and Washington have the longest SSDI hearing wait times, averaging 10, 9.5, and 9.3 months, respectively.

  • The Western United States has the longest SSDI hearing wait times, averaging 8.8 months, significantly higher than other regions.

  • The Midwest has the shortest SSDI hearing wait times, averaging 6.8 months, making it the most efficient region for applicants compared to others.

long-waits-regional
  • Regions with the longest SSDI hearing wait times (the West and Northeast) report application suspension rates of over 32%.

  • The West not only has the longest average SSDI wait time (8.8 months) but also sees the highest suspension rate among applicants (37%).

  • SSDI applicants in the South have an average wait time of 7.1 months and the lowest suspension rate at 28%.


The true cost of SSDI delays

financial-impact
  • 58% of SSDI applicants are unaware of the resources designed to help them during the application process.

  • 90% of SSDI applicants face significant financial impacts during delays, with over half relying on personal savings (57%) or borrowing from friends and family (53%).

  • 1 in 9 applicants have experienced eviction or foreclosure due to delays.

The top 3 states with the highest percentage of applicants experiencing eviction or foreclosure due to SSDI hearing delays are:

  1. Louisiana: 27%

  2. Kentucky: 25%

  3. Ohio: 24%


Mental health toll of SSDI delays

emotional-toll-of-waiting
  • 67% of SSDI applicants report that the hearing wait has negatively affected their mental health.

How are applicants managing the prolonged uncertainty of the SSDI application process?

  • Relying on family for support: 69%

  • Relying on friends for support: 45%

  • Relying on community resources (e.g., nonprofits, support groups): 33%

  • Managing on their own without support: 13%

  • Relying on support from SSA resources: 7%

Top 3 states with the highest percentage of applicants considering withdrawing their application due to the mental health struggles caused by long waits:

  1. Oregon: 67%

  2. Maryland: 60%

  3. Nevada: 55%

40% of SSDI applicants said they would move to another state if it meant faster processing times.

Top 3 states with the highest percentage of applicants most likely to be considering moving to another state for faster SSDI processing times:

  1. Nevada 64%

  2. Tennessee 59%

  3. Illinois 56%


Finding support and staying resilient during SSDI delays

The SSDI application process can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that resources and support are available to help you through it. Whether you lean on family, reach out to nonprofits, or seek professional guidance, no one should feel they have to navigate this journey alone.

While delays are frustrating, they don't have to define your path forward—knowing your options and accessing the right tools can make a significant difference. Staying informed and supported can help you maintain hope and resilience as you move toward the financial stability and benefits you deserve.

Methodology

We surveyed 823 SSDI applicants in November 2024 to uncover the financial and mental health impacts of SSDI hearing waits. We also analyzed data from the Social Security Administration to examine average wait times across the U.S.

About Atticus

Atticus is a public interest law firm that helps Americans in a crisis secure aid from the government. Through a dedicated team of lawyers and client advocates, we specialize in helping individuals claim their rightful benefits in challenging times.

Fair use statement

If you find this research valuable for your readers, feel free to share it for noncommercial purposes. We simply ask that you link back to this page so others can access the full findings and methodology.

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Sarah Aitchison

Attorney

Sarah is an attorney at Atticus Law, P.C. Prior to joining Atticus, she was a civil public defender in Brooklyn, NY and a business reporter in Seattle, WA. She is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law.
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