According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), first-time Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants get a decision on their qualification status in three to five months. The long wait is even more frustrating when you consider that roughly 65% of these applications get rejected.
Luckily, today we reveal 4 proven ways to help you get approved quickly for SSDI Benefits. Read on to ensure you get the relief you need during these difficult times.
Work with a Qualified Attorney
You stand a higher chance of getting approved for SSDI benefits when working with a qualified attorney. They understand how the system works and can help you quickly get approved. Equally, the entire process can seem complicated, but an SSDI lawyer can help simplify everything for you. However, ensure you pick a local SSDI lawyer with years of experience.
File Your Application Immediately
As stated earlier, the SSDI application typically takes a while to process. Therefore, it would be best if you file your application as soon as possible. Equally, you will end up spending more on the filing process if it takes too long. However, ensure all critical data is included in your application – including diagnosed disabilities and medical records.
Seek Proper Medical Care
You substantially increase your chances of getting SSDI benefits when you get proper medical care. Ensure you complete the tests and keep the supporting documents. These records strengthen your case and maximize your chances of getting approved. Lack of sufficient evidence is among the leading causes of denied disability benefits.
Avoid Work
Concentrate more on your case after filing the SSDI claim. People who seem disabled to work will stand a higher chance of getting SSDI benefits. Equally, you may contradict the claims in your case if you go back to work. Therefore, avoid working until you get the SSDI approved.
Pro Tips
Terminal Illness Gets You Immediate Payments
Your SSDI claim is expedited when you suffer from a terminal illness. However, your doctor has to certify that you suffer from a terminal condition. You will also qualify for immediate SSDI payments if you are on the nationwide list awaiting a major organ transplant.
Presumptive Disability Gets You Payments Before Formal Approval
The SSA may approve immediate payments if you are suffering from a select number of conditions. For instance, total blindness gets you payments before formal approval, while partial blindness does not. Other conditions that fall under the ‘presumptive disability’ bracket include:
- Leg amputation at the hip
- Total deafness
- Inability to complete simple tasks such as bathing and eating
- Stroke that results in impaired mobility
- End-stage renal disease
- Cerebral palsy that leads to difficulty in using hands, speaking, or walking
- A condition with a life expectancy of below six months
The Bottom Line
A social security disability lawyer will get you the compensation you deserve. At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we work with you through the entire process to ensure you get maximum benefits. Don’t wait, contact us today and get your life back on track.
What To Do If Your SSDI Benefits Are Denied
An Illinois Social Security disability lawyer knows that applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be a complex and lengthy process. Unfortunately, many initial applications are denied for various reasons, including insufficient medical evidence or incomplete application forms. If your SSDI claim is denied, it’s essential to know the steps you can take to challenge the decision and improve your chances of receiving the benefits you need.
1. Why Was My SSDI Claim Denied?
There are several common reasons why SSDI claims are denied. Some of the most frequent issues include:
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: Your medical records may not fully demonstrate the severity of your disability or how it impacts your ability to work.
- Failure to Meet Work Credits Requirement: You might not have enough work credits or a recent work history required to qualify for SSDI.
- Inability to Prove Disability: The Social Security Administration (SSA) may determine that your condition does not meet their strict definition of disability, which requires that the condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Application: Mistakes or omissions on your application can lead to a denial.
Understanding the specific reason for your denial is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. You should receive a notice from the SSA explaining why your claim was denied, which can guide your next steps.
2. What Should I Do Immediately After A Denial?
If your SSDI claim is denied, the first step is to carefully review the denial notice to understand the reasons for the decision. The notice will detail why your application was rejected and what evidence may be lacking. Here are the immediate actions you should consider:
- Request a Reconsideration: You have 60 days from the date of the denial notice to request a reconsideration. This involves a review of your case by someone who was not involved in the initial decision. You can submit additional medical evidence or documentation to support your claim.
- Consult a Social Security Disability Lawyer: An experienced Illinois Social Security disability lawyer can help you understand the reasons for the denial, gather necessary evidence, and navigate the appeals process effectively.
3. How Does The Appeals Process Work?
If your request for reconsideration is denied, you can further appeal the decision through several stages:
- Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. This is an opportunity to present your case in person, provide additional evidence, and argue why you should receive benefits. The ALJ will review your case and make a decision based on the new evidence presented.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. The Council can either deny your request, review your case, or send it back to the ALJ for further review.
- Federal Court Lawsuit: If the Appeals Council denies your request or does not review your case, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. This is the final step in the appeals process and involves presenting your case before a federal judge.
4. What Are My Chances Of Winning An Appeal, And How Long Does It Take?
The chances of winning an appeal depend on various factors, including the strength of your evidence, the reasons for the initial denial, and the thoroughness of your appeal. Generally, having a disability attorney or advocate can significantly increase your chances of success. The appeals process can be lengthy; it often takes several months to over a year to receive a final decision, depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the SSA or court.
It’s essential to stay organized, track deadlines, and communicate with your attorney throughout the appeals process. Persistence and thorough preparation are key to successfully navigating a denied SSDI claim.
Contact Our Office For Legal Assistance
If your SSDI claim is denied, don’t be discouraged. Understanding the reasons for the denial and taking the appropriate steps to appeal can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Seeking legal assistance from an Illinois social security disability lawyer can also provide valuable support and guidance throughout the process. Call Disparti Law Group to find out how we can help.
