Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Waiting for a Hearing?
I used to write on and update about the average wait times for hearings in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims on a quarterly basis. However, because the trend has continued to be on increasing processing times and decreasing approval rates, I have chosen to update more frequently. Below you will find information on the processing times and approval rates for Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims for East Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky. Please remember that these statistics are only for claims pending at the hearing level or Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. The claims at a hearing office have already been through the Application and Reconsideration steps (typically 6-12 months of waiting already).
Nationally:
•· Average processing time: 502 days (up 53 days since July!)
•· 43% cases approved (down from 44% in July)
Knoxville, Tennessee:
•· Average processing time: 555 days (up from 540 in April)
•· 46% cases approved
Chattanooga, Tennessee:
•· Average processing time: 533 (up from 521 days in May)
•· 56% cases approved (down from 57% in July)
Kingsport, Tennessee:
•· Average processing time: 360 days (up from 339 in April)
•· 55% cases approved (down from 55% in July)
Nashville, Tennessee
•· Average processing time: 502 days
•· 46% cases approved
Franklin, Tennessee
•· Average processing time: 478 days (up from 467 days in May)
•· 51% cases approved (down from 52% in July)
Middlesboro, Kentucky
•· Average processing time: 464 days (up 39 from July!)
•· 44% cases approved
The hearing office staff work hard and understand the frustrations of the claimants and representatives, but they are hamstrung by the workload and budgetary restraints.
If you want to increase your likelihood of success at the hearing, make sure you know your attorney.
If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website.