The Journey of SSDI Applications Today
Lauren Brizzi
September 9, 2025
When you apply for SSDI, a thorough review process begins to determine whether the applicant will be awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or if the claim will be denied.
While the steps of the process haven’t changed in many years, the pace and experience for today’s applicants have shifted. In recent years, the number of pending claims reached record highs, creating longer wait times, especially in the early stages of review.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been actively working to improve these timelines. As of mid-2025, the initial claims backlog has been reduced by about 25%, falling from more than 1.2 million pending cases to around 950,000. Pending disability hearings have also reached a historic low of approximately 276,000, and average hearing wait times are now about 60 days shorter than they were in 2024.
The Value of Experienced Representation
Even with these improvements, many SSDI applicants still face extended waits before receiving a decision. This is why having an experienced representative, like Advocator Advantage, can be invaluable. Claims with representation tend to have higher approval rates, and claimants benefit from the guidance of seasoned professionals who know how to navigate the process from start to finish.
While every claim is unique, and some applicants may receive a decision more quickly, this infographic outlines the longer path the SSDI application process may take once the initial claim has been filed.
Jane’s SSDI Application Journey
Jane recently applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits after being out of work for over a year due to a serious illness. Like many, she’s hoping SSDI can help replace some of her lost income. While every claim is unique, here’s a look at what the road ahead might look like for Jane and many others navigating this process.
SSDI Initial Application Reviewed
Once that is completed, the Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns it to a Claims Examiner at Disability Determination Services (DDS). Their job? To decide whether Jane qualifies for benefits based on the medical and personal information she provides. As part of this review, they might:
- Request medical records from Jane’s healthcare providers
- Send Jane questionnaires to better understand how her condition affects her day-to-day life
- Ask Jane to attend a consultative exam with a Social Security-approved doctor
Decision Issued
Five months later, Jane receives her decision, but her SSDI application has been denied. DDS concluded that she could return to her past work with reasonable accommodation. Sadly, this isn’t uncommon: just over half of all initial applications are denied due to the high volume of claims and strict Social Security Disability eligibility criteria.
Even though the news is disappointing, Jane still has options. To keep her claim moving, she should file an appeal as soon as possible.
Reconsideration Appeal
Jane’s appeal kicks off the next stage: reconsideration. This time, a different DDS Claims Examiner takes a fresh look at her case, but the process mirrors the initial review.
After another five-month wait, Jane learns that her reconsideration appeal has also been denied. It’s tough news again, but not unexpected. According to SSA’s Fiscal Year workload, only 16% of reconsiderations were approved in 2024 (a slight increase from 2023).
Despite the setback, Jane still has her best shot ahead: the hearing stage.
Requesting a Hearing
Next, Jane requests a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), a more in-depth review of her case. The Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) now steps in to:
- Gather and organize all of Jane’s documentation
- Assign a judge to her case
- Schedule her hearing
Jane will be able to choose how she wants to attend:
- Phone
- Video via Microsoft Teams
- In person
However, this stage requires patience. The average wait time for a hearing decision is currently 335 days. Once scheduled, Jane will receive at least 75 days’ notice so she can make arrangements to attend. It’s worth noting: A July 2025 SSA press release explained that the initial disability claims backlog has dropped by 25% and average wait times have shrunk by about 60 days since June 2024.
The Hearing
At the hearing, Jane will share her story. The judge may also hear from:
- Jane’s attorney and the judge, asking questions to highlight how her condition limits her ability to work
- A vocational expert, explaining what kinds of jobs, if any, Jane could still do
- A medical expert, weighing in on how her condition impacts her function
After the hearing, the judge reviews all the evidence and testimony to make a final decision. Typically, SSDI applicants receive a written decision about a month later.
Jane’s SSDI Application is Approved
The good news finally arrives: the judge rules in Jane’s favor. She meets SSA’s definition of disability and is approved for benefits. Here’s what happens next:
- SSA calculates her monthly benefit
- A Notice of Award is sent with all the details, including any retroactive payments she’s owed
- Her claim is processed for payment
As long as Jane continues to meet SSA’s disability standards, she’ll keep receiving benefits. Her case will be reviewed periodically. If she begins to feel better and wants to try returning to work, SSA offers programs to support her through a trial work period, without immediately losing her benefits.
Ready for the Next Step?
From initial review to potential appeals, our experienced Client Advocates and nationwide network of attorneys provide unparalleled representation at every stage of your claim, even if you have been recently denied Social Security Disability. Take your first step toward financial freedom.