From the team at RCA | July 2025

We’re hearing it more often lately from CFOs, case managers, and financial counselors alike: “What’s going on with SSI and SSDI claims? Why are patients waiting so long?”

It’s a fair question, and unfortunately, the answer is complex.

At Resource Corporation of America (RCA), we’re on the front lines of these delays every day. While we’re seeing some progress, the reality is that patients are still facing long wait times to get approved for the disability benefits they need—and hospitals are feeling the effects as well.

How Long Are Patients Waiting?

Here’s a quick snapshot of what the process looks like right now:

  • Initial SSI/SSDI applications are taking 6 to 8 months on average, more than double what it used to take before the pandemic.
  • If the claim is denied (and many are), reconsideration adds another 7 months.
  • And if it goes to a hearing? Patients are waiting almost 11 more months for that decision.

When you add it all up, some patients are stuck in this process for over two years, and during that time, hospitals are often left holding the bill.

Why Is This Still Happening?

Despite improvements, there are a few ongoing challenges:

  • Not enough staff. Both federal and state disability offices are shorthanded and struggling to keep up.
  • Too many claims. The system is still working through a massive backlog from the pandemic.
  • It depends on where you live. Some states move quickly, while others take over a year to complete the first step.

SSA is trying to fix it—they’ve hired more examiners, upgraded their tech, and improved communication tools. But change is slow.

What This Means for Hospitals Like Yours

For patients, long delays can mean anxiety, confusion, and gaps in care. But for hospitals, it often means months of uncompensated care while waiting on a benefit decision.

That’s where RCA comes in.

How RCA Supports You and Your Patients

  • We keep patients engaged. We help them stay on track, respond to requests, and avoid unnecessary delays.
  • We don’t stop at the first denial. If it goes to reconsideration or hearing, we stay with the patient every step of the way.
  • We keep you informed. You’ll always know where things stand, what we’re working on, and when there’s movement.
  • We know the system. We’ve done this for 30 years. Our teams know how to get results, even in tough environments.

Bottom Line

The SSI/SSDI process isn’t getting shorter anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you have to bear the burden alone. RCA is here to help your patients navigate the process more efficiently, avoid common missteps, and give your hospital the best chance of recovering reimbursement when coverage is finally approved…but we are also not miracle workers either. We can shave a time here and there, but ultimately, this is more of a systemic issue.

If you’ve got patients stuck in limbo, or you want to make sure your disability strategy is keeping up with the current climate, let’s talk.

We’re here for you—and for the patients who need us most.

Key Takeaways for Providers

  • Expect delays: Initial SSI/SSDI decisions can take 6 to 8 months, and appeals can add 7 to 11 months to the process.
  • Partnering with RCA reduces risk: We shorten avoidable delays, keep patients engaged, and fight for every eligible reimbursement dollar.
  • Stay informed: Delays are driven by systemic shortages and high volumes, rather than patient or provider missteps.

At RCA, we’ve helped hospitals navigate disability eligibility for over 30 years. As SSA continues to work on stabilizing the system, we remain committed to protecting your bottom line and ensuring the benefits your patients deserve.

Do you have questions or want to strengthen your disability conversion strategy?
Contact us at www.resource-corp.com. We’re ready to help.