The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that approximately 28% of Indiana residents have some form of disability. This is equivalent to one in every four residents. These disabilities usually have a significant impact on the health and overall being of the victim.
Unfortunately, Indiana residents who report a disability are more likely to smoke, suffer from a wide range of heart diseases and become obese, making things worse for them and their families.
These disabilities usually cost the state roughly $18.7 billion annually, representing about 36% of the state’s overall healthcare spending. Nearly $17,000 is spent on every Indiana resident living with a disability annually.
That is why the primary purpose of Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) programs in Indiana is to identify residents with disabilities and help them get the benefits and health care services they need to improve their lives.
Here is everything you need to know about Social Security local to Indiana.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Indiana?
Since the SSDI program is a federal government initiative, qualification requirements are similar across the entire country. The eligibility criterion is usually divided into two; medical and non-medical requirements.
The first step in qualifying for SSD benefits is establishing that you have worked and paid into the Social Security program for long enough.
You must have worked for at least five of the last ten years before your disability began. The amount of money you have paid into the system does not usually matter.
The second step is to prove that your disability prevents you from being able to work and earn a living. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a “Blue Book” of physical and mental conditions to determine whether an applicant is disabled.
If your condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you can still qualify for benefits if you prove that your disability is just as severe as one of the listed conditions.
You will need to provide extensive medical evidence to support your claim. This includes doctor’s notes, lab reports, and hospital records.
If you are unsure whether you meet the SSA’s definition of disabled, you can start by taking their online disability quiz.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance in Indiana?
You can apply for SSDI in Indiana through the official SSA website, in person or by phone.
The easiest way to apply for the benefits is online through the SSA website. You can complete the entire application process without ever having to leave your house.
Once you initiate the application, you will be assigned an application number. Make sure you keep the number safe because you will need it at various points throughout the application process.
If you lose the application number, it cannot be re-issued, and you will be forced to restart the application process.
If you prefer to apply in person, you can make an appointment at any of the 25 local SSA offices across the state.
Consider calling your closest field office in advance to determine whether you are required to book an appointment before you walk in to apply.
You can also apply for SSDI in Indiana over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213. SSA representatives are available to assist you from Monday to Friday. The working hours are 8:00 am to 7:00 pm ET.
How Do I Appeal a Denial in Indiana?
Unfortunately, more than 68% of the initial applications in Indiana are usually denied. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter in the mail detailing the reason for the decision.
You have 60 days to file an appeal after receiving the denial letter. The first step in appealing a disability claim denial is to request a hearing with an administrative law judge within that 60-day window.
The hearing is usually conducted over video conference, but in-person hearings can be arranged if you live close to the judge or have a compelling reason to attend in person.
At the hearing, the judge will review your case file and ask you questions about your disability and how it affects your ability to work. You will also have the opportunity to present evidence and call witnesses to testify on your behalf.
The judge will then decide on your case, which can either be approved, denied, or partially approved. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive retroactive payments dating back to when you first became disabled.
You can file an appeal with the SSA’s Appeals Council if you are denied again. You can take your case to federal court if the council denies your appeal.
Getting Help with Your Indiana SSDI Claim
The process of applying for and appealing a disability claim can be complicated, time-consuming, and frustrating. If you are considering applying for SSDI in Indiana, you may want to consider working with a disability attorney.
An experienced disability lawyer can help you navigate the application and appeals process and give you the best chance of getting approved for benefits.
A lawyer can also help you gather and submit evidence to support your claim and represent you at your hearing.
Indiana Security Social Offices
As mentioned earlier, there are 25 Social Security field offices in Indiana. The table below contains the exact location of each office and the contact information.
| SSA Office | Physical Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis SSA Office | 575 N Pennsylvania St Rm 685 Indianapolis, IN 46204 | (866) 592-2812 |
| South Bend SSA Office | 602 South Michigan South Bend, IN 46601 | (877) 274-5415 |
| Evansville SSA Office | 2300 N Green River Rd Evansville, IN 47715 | (877) 768-5679 |
| Terr Haute SSA Office | 222 Cherry St Terre Haute, IN 47807 | (866) 635-0282 |
| Fort Wayne SSA Office | 2122 Lincolnway Ct Fort Wayne, IN 46819 | (877) 223-6061 |
| Richmond SSA Office | 500 North A Street Richmond, IN 47374 | (866) 446-6190 |
| Lafayette SSA Office | 10 S. 2Nd St Lafayette, IN 47901 | (888) 884-0522 |
| Kokomo SSA Office | 353 W. Alto Rd Kokomo, IN 46902 | (866) 365-3036 |
| Munchie SSA Office | 600 North Walnut St Muncie, IN 47305 | (866) 964-7586 |
| Gary SSA Office | 808 South Lake Street Gary, IN 46403 | (866) 593-2911 |
| New Albany SSA Office | 3700 Blackiston Blvd New Albany, IN 47150 | (866) 331-9073 |
| Bloomington SSA Office | 515 W Patterson Drive Bloomington, IN 47403 | (877) 819-2594 |
| Elkhart SSA Office | 231 Waterfall Drive Elkhart, IN 46516 | (866) 426-0532 |
| Anderson SSA Office | 117 S Scatterfield Rd Anderson, IN 46012 | (866) 875-0394 |
| Hammond SSA Office | 418 E Douglas Street Hammond, IN 46320 | (877) 512-3859 |
| Michigan City SSA Office | 636 Pine Street Michigan City, IN 46360 | (866) 248-2393 |
| Marion SSA Office | 844 N Miller Avenue Marion, IN 46952 | (888) 397-9795 |
| Vincennes SSA Office | 606 Veterans Dr Vincennes, IN 47591 | (888) 456-9531 |
| Columbus SSA Office | 2535 Arnold Street Columbus, IN 47203 | (866) 755-0990 |
| Madison SSA Office | 150 Demaree Drive Madison, IN 47250 | (877) 692-3144 |
| Valparaiso SSA Office | 3810 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, IN 46383 | (888) 472-6120 |
| Crawfordsville SSA Office | 1515 S Grant Ave Crawfordsville, IN 47933 | (888) 577-1498 |
| Indianapolis Northeast SSA Office | 5515 North Post Road Indianapolis, IN 46216 | (866) 220-7899 |
| Auburn SSA Office | 1240 South Grandstaff Dr Auburn, IN 46706 | (866) 829-2170 |
| Indianapolis Northwest | 6745 Network Pl Indianapolis, IN 46278 | (866) 218-2309 |
| Merrillville SSA Office | 1438 E 85Th Ave Merrillville, IN 46410 | (877) 692-3142 |
SSDI Appeal Hearings in Indiana
Indiana has four appeals hearing offices with at least 44 administrative law judges who attend to the appeal hearings throughout the state.
The average hearing wait time is 15.3 months, slightly higher than the national average of 14.8 months. The average processing time in Indiana is 493 days, while the average approval rate at the hearing stage is 44%, with only 20% of the cases being dismissed.
We Are Here for You!
If you are disabled and living in Indiana, we understand how difficult it can be to get the benefits you need and deserve. The Social Security Disability process is complicated and often overwhelming, but our team is here to help.
We have over ten years of experience handling SSD and SSI claims in Indiana, and we know what it takes to get results. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure your claim is successful.
There is no risk in calling us for a free consultation; we only get paid if you win your case. Contact us today to get started.
