Social security is a government-sponsored program that provides benefits to people with disabilities. The program was carefully designed to help those who cannot work due to their disability. If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits.
How Can I Speed up My Social Security Disability Process?
There isn’t a definitive answer as to how long a Social Security disability application takes to process or what exactly you can do to speed up how long it takes. Sometimes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a large backlog of disability claims, which can cause delays in the processing of your claim. Other times, your claim may be processed more quickly if you have a severe disability, meet certain medical criteria, or the number of disability claims is low.
There are, however, a few things you can do that could help speed up the process.
- Ensure the Accuracy and Completion of Your ApplicationOne of the main reasons why disability claims are delayed or denied is because the Social Security application is inaccurate or incomplete. When you are completing your application, be sure to include all relevant information about your medical condition and work history. If you have any specific questions or concerns, be sure to ask your doctor or an SSA representative. In situations where an application is incomplete, the SSA often sends a notice to the applicant requesting more information. This can cause dramatic delays in the processing of your claim, which can be very frustrating when you are trying to get your benefits as quickly as possible.
- Submit Complete Medical DocumentationYou will need to provide the SSA with complete medical documentation to receive benefits. This includes records from your doctor, hospitals, and any other medical facilities you have been to. Be sure to include all relevant information about your medical condition and treatment. The SSA uses this information to make a decision about your claim. If you do not submit complete medical documentation, your claim may be delayed or denied until the SSA receives the missing information.
- Submit All Required DocumentationTo receive a decision on your claim, the SSA needs all of the required documentation. This includes your application, medical records, work history, birth certificate, driver’s license, and any other information that is clearly indicated on the SSA’s website or in their correspondence with you. The SSA needs this information to verify your identity, decide about your claim, and validate your eligibility for benefits. Your claim can’t be processed until the SSA has all this required documentation, so be sure to triple-check that you have everything they need before submitting your claim.
- Submit the Application OnlineThe SSA offers an online application for disability benefits. This can be a convenient way to apply since you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Because you submit the application digitally, the team at the SSA receives your claim immediately. It can be entered into the queue faster than mailing in your application. You can also check the status of your claim online, which can be helpful if you are wondering how much longer the process might take or if there are any issues with your claim.
It’sIt’s important to note that not everyone is eligible to apply for SSD online, so be sure to check the SSA’sSSA’s website to see if you qualify. If you are not accustomed to using a computer or do not have access to one, you can always visit your local SSA office and apply in person.
- Keep in Contact With the SSAIf you have critical questions about your claim or the status of your application, it is important to keep in contact with the SSA. You can do this by calling their number or visiting your local SSA office. The more you stay in touch with the SSA, the better they can keep you updated on the active status of your claim and let you know if there are any issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, if you have any new information about your medical condition or work history, be sure to let the SSA know as soon as possible. This new information could impact the decision about your claim, so it is important that they have the most up-to-date information.
Hire a Social Security Attorney
If you are having trouble with your claim or feel like the process is taking longer than it should, you may want to consider hiring a social security attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the process, ensure that you have submitted all the required documentation, and represent you in front of the SSA. This can be especially helpful if your claim has been denied and you need to file an appeal. While hiring an attorney is not required, it may help you get the benefits you need in a timely manner. Many people who hire an attorney find that their claims are processed much faster than those who do not.
Contact Gade & Parekh, LLP Today
If you need help with your social security disability claim, contact Gade & Parekh, LLP today. We can help you navigate the process and ensure you have the best chance of getting the benefits you need. We pride ourselves in offering:
- Expert knowledge. We are highly trained and experienced in social security law, so we can help you understand the process and what to expect. Our knowledge can fuel the speed of your claim.
- Personalized attention. We understand that you need to secure these funds to support yourself and your family, so we can assess your individual situation and craft a personalized strategy for your claim.
- Open communication. We can keep you updated on the status of your claim and let you know what to expect at every stage. You won’t be left in the dark wondering what is taking so long.
If you are ready to get started on your claim, contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you have and help you get the benefits you need.
