How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Indiana
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
If you are an Indiana resident who cannot work due to a medical condition or illness, you may qualify for disability benefits. While the process can take time, it is possible: More than 215,000 Indiana residents receive federal benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Learn about the most common types of disability benefits, the application and appeals process, and resources to increase your chances of receiving disability in Indiana.
Disability benefits in Indiana
While Indiana does not offer state-sponsored disability benefits, you may be eligible for the Social Security Administration’s federal disability programs. You can also receive financial support from veterans disability benefits and private disability insurance.
The SSA currently has two federal programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI is for disabled individuals who have worked for at least 5 out of the last 10 years and paid their taxes. SSI is a needs-based program that considers an applicant’s current income, assets, housing information, and medical evidence.
If you’re a retired veteran with a medical condition caused by your service or you had to leave the military due to an injury, you may qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This VA guide will walk you through the process of applying for benefits.
4 stages of the appeal process
The SSA denies most initial disability applications. If you receive a denial, you have the right to file for an appeal. Before getting started on the appeal process, let’s break down the two main reasons for denials:
Missing medical information: Your application did not contain sufficient medical evidence to prove your disability.
The SSA earning criteria: Known as a “technical” or “non-medical” denial, you have not met the SSA’s standards for work history or income.
There are four stages in the appeal process:
Reconsideration: You have 60 days to request a reconsideration from the date you receive a denial. Filing for reconsideration means you would like the SSA to reassess your application to see if you meet its requirements for eligibility. This stage can take several months, and the SSA may reject you once again. However, working with an experienced disability lawyer can increase your chances of approval.
Hearing: If the SSA reviews your application again and still denies it, you have the right to appeal its decision through a Social Security disability hearing. A hearing allows you to explain your case in front of a judge. On average, judges approve benefits in more than 50% of hearings. A disability lawyer can help you prepare for the judge’s questions.
Appeals Council review: If the judge denies your disability claim, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can submit an Appeal Council Request for Review on the SSA website or via mail. You will need to provide the denial notice, your general information and the name, address, and phone number of your disability attorney.
Federal Council review: If you disagree with the Appeal Council’s decision or it refuses to review your case, you can file for civil action through the federal district court within 60 days after receiving the council’s notice. The chances of winning benefits through the Federal Council are low.
SSA offices in Indiana
Anderson 117 S Scatterfield Rd Anderson, IN 46012 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 875-0394 Fax Number: (833) 950-2148 | Auburn 1240 S Grandstaff Dr Auburn, IN 46706 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 829-2170 Fax Number: (833) 950-3709 | Bloomington 515 W Patterson Dr Bloomington, IN 47403 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 819-2594 Fax Number: (833) 950-2144 |
Columbus 2535 Arnold St Columbus, IN 47203 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 755-0990 Fax Number: (833) 950-2162 | Crawfordsville 1515 S Grant Ave Crawfordsville, IN 47933 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (888) 577-1498 Fax Number: (833) 950-3075 | Elkhart 231 Waterfall Dr Elkhart, IN 46516 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 426-0532 Fax Number: (833) 950-2146 |
Evansville 2300 N Green River Rd Evansville, IN 47715 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 768-5679 Fax Number: (833) 902-2670 | Fort Wayne 2122 Lincolnway Ct Fort Wayne, IN 46819 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 223-6061 Fax Number: (833) 902-2674 |
What’s the most money you can get on disability in Indiana?
In 2024, the maximum payment for Social Security Disability Insurance is $3,822 a month including Medicare coverage. The maximum payment amount for Supplemental Security Income is $943 a month including Medicaid coverage.
In Indiana, the average SSDI payment in Indiana is $1,728.61 per month. The average SSI monthly payment is $615.55.
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Get help applying for benefits in Indiana
If you’re unsure about how to apply for benefits in Indiana by yourself, it’s okay. We can work together. Take this two-minute Social Security quiz, and our client advocate will reach out to build the best plan to help you get approved for monthly disability benefits.
In addition, our Atticus lawyers are here if you need help filing and submitting your application or preparing for your disability claims hearing.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Indiana
How do I qualify for disability in Indiana?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Indiana?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Indiana?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Indiana. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Indiana?
The average SSDI payment in Indiana is $1,355.25 per month. The average SSI payment is $580.90 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Indiana?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Indiana have a state disability program?
No, Indiana doesn't have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Indiana can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
Indiana Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in Indiana
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