One of the hardest parts of trying to get Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits can be waiting to hear back on your application. When you have an injury or medical condition that keeps you from working or caring for yourself, you may struggle to pay the bills until you connect with benefits.
Some people will have the very unpleasant experience of receiving an initial denial, which they will have to appeal. If you don’t secure an immediate approval for an SSDI application, you will likely have to attend a hearing where you present evidence supporting your claim for benefits. How long will you have to wait for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge?
San Diego averages less than a year of wait time
In some parts of the country, the average wait time for a Social Security benefits appeals hearing may be a year and a half or even two years. Thankfully, according to data provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), those applying through the San Diego office won’t have to wait very long comparatively.
The average wait for a hearing for application processed through the San Diego SSA office is 11 months. In theory, those with a successful appeal will have the right to claim back pay for the months that they waited for that hearing as well. Although that can’t help you with immediate costs, it can give you a way to repay overdue expenses and personal loans.
The sooner you take action to appeal a denial of your claim, the sooner you can get the benefits you need.