Social Security Disability Claimants Waiting Longer for Hearings

Social Security Disability and SSI claimants are waiting longer to have their cases heard. The national average processing time for claims before the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review is up to 372 days with 46% of cases being approved. In Tennessee, the average processing time is 388 days with 53% of cases approved. This is not the average total time that claimants have from application to hearing of their claims, but simply the waiting time once the claimants reach the Administrative Law Judge hearing stage.

In terms of averages for local offices, Middlesboro leads with a low time of 322 days (43% approved) with the Kingsport ODAR running at 338 days (61% approved). Unfortunately, Chattanooga is at 390 days (59% approved) and Knoxville is further behind at 406 days (52% 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 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. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, and Deer Lodge.