ESPANOL
The Social Security Administration (SSA) notes that it can take anywhere from three to five months to get a decision regarding your application for Social Security Disability benefits. Even then, there are some exceptions that may extend this timeframe. While there is nothing you can do to get disability fast, there are some measures you can take to promote your application’s approval.
You may want to consider working with a disability lawyer. While working with an attorney does not automatically put you on a fast-track, they can help you avoid mistakes with your initial application that could delay your claim. If you have already received a decision from the SSA and need to file an appeal, a lawyer can help you with this process.
Whether you are claiming Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your lawyer can explain what measures can help you get the benefits you need.
Measures That Can Help Your SSD Application Get Approved
Again, there is no definitive way to speed up the progression of your claim. However, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of being approved for benefits. You can start by:
Knowing What Documents to Include in Your SSD Application
To help your initial Social Security Disability application go smoothly and reduce processing time, it is essential to include all of the required documents needed with your application.
According to the SSA, upon submitting your application for benefits, you will need to include:
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Proof of United States citizenship, if you were born in another country
- U.S. military discharge papers, if you served in the military before 1968
- A copy of your W-2 and/or self-employment tax returns
- An adult disability report, which allows you to give information regarding your medical history and health condition
- Medical evidence, including the names of medications, recent test results, and the name of your health care team
- Any information regarding workers’ compensation benefits, if applicable
Having all this information on hand can speed up the intake process. Your disability claims lawyer can explain what information could help your case. They can also review any forms that you send to the SSA for completion and accuracy.
Knowing Your Options
Your health condition may qualify for the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program. According to the SSA: “The CAL initiative helps us reduce waiting time to reach a disability determination for individuals with the most serious disabilities.
The Compassionate Allowances program identifies claims where the applicant’s disease or condition clearly meets Social Security’s statutory standard for disability.”
If you qualify for this program, you may be able to improve your chances of securing an approval. Working alongside a disability benefits lawyer can help you submit an application and avoid making mistakes that could result in a denial.
Working With a Lawyer If Your Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied
The SSA’s annual statistical report notes that 53% of all initial Social Security disability claims are denied upon their first submission. However, claimants still have options. You have the right to appeal an unfavorable decision from the SSA.
While it can be challenging to go through the appeals process, statistics from the Urban Institute found that almost 63% of claimants were successful after appealing a decision at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) level.
To reduce waiting time, it can be a great first step to contact a disability lawyer who can help you navigate the claims and appeals process.
In the service of your Social Security Disability claim, a lawyer can:
- Explain what medical documents represent your impairment to the SSA
- Make sure your application form is completed quickly and accurately
- Support you through the appeals process
- Provide an estimate regarding how much money you may be entitled to receive
- Provide a no-win, no-fee service
Many disability lawyers offer a free consultation where you can ask any questions regarding your disability case. You may also be able to get an answer regarding how you can get disability fast.
Call the Team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers
At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we just want you to focus on getting better and leave the rest to us. Our goal is to help you get the disability benefits for which you are entitled, whether it be through the SSDI or SSI program. When you call us today, we can get started advocating for your right to compensation.
To find out more about our services, call and discuss your situation with our team or fill out our online contact form. We provide our services on a contingency-fee basis. You do not need to pay us anything to get started on your disability case. We only get paid for our legal services once you receive benefits.