Skip to main content

REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS IN SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS

 

Social Security disability claims are complicated and frustrating most of the time.  Sometimes claimants have unrealistic expectations about their claim and this adds to the frustration.

Keep in mind that Social Security will receive more than half a million disability applications each year.  That causes the process to be slow.

When applying for social security disability, you must be patient and prepared. Your chances of receiving this benefit within 2 or 3 months are slim at best. The entire procedure often looks something like this:

  • The initial stage will take 6 to 12 months to complete.
  • If you are denied, then the "Reconsideration" appeal will take another 8 to 10 months (in some cases, it can take longer).
  • If you are denied a second time, it may take another 6 to 10 months to appear before an administrative law judge for a hearing.
 
Why does it take so long? The offices handling your case are also handling thousands of other cases. Applying for SS disability is a first come first serve multi-tiered progression.  The program was never meant to be fast or easy.  

Patience and a willingness to stay the course through the "long haul" is necessary when dealing with Social Security disability.

Using a good Social Security attorney or advocate increases your chances of being approved--and it can reduce your frustration because the attorney deals with Social Security for you.  However, using an attorney does not necessarily impact the speed at which the Social Security Administration moves.
______________
Charles W. Forsythe is co-founder of The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL.  For more than 20 years he has successfully represented claimants in getting Social Security Disability benefits.  Consultations are free.  You will never pay a fee for our services unless you are approved and receive a lump sum back pay settlement.  Call (256) 799-0297.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IF I CHANGE ATTORNEYS WILL IT DELAY MY DISABILITY CASE?

No.  Getting a new attorney will NOT delay your pending Social Security disability claim or appeal .  Your new attorney "inherits" the case and picks up where the other attorney left off.  There is no re-filing or starting over, so your case is not set back or delayed at all.  Social Security maintains an electronic folder stored in its system.  This folder contains every document ever submitted concerning your claim or appeal.  Your new lawyer may log into your electronic files and see, in real time, all the evidence and other documents in your file. While we do not recommend changing attorneys while your case is pending a decision, it is sometimes necessary.  You may need a new lawyer if your attorney dies, retires or  becomes disabled before your case is settled.  You may choose a new attorney without delaying or causing any set back to your case. If you are considering obtaining a lawyer to handle your Social Security disability case in...
Post a Comment
Read more

URGENT MESSAGE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY'S TOP OFFICIAL - February 18, 2025

There is a lot of talk and speculation about Social Security in the new Trump Administration.  The acting commissioner of Social Security recently resigned and Lee Dudek has been appointed the new Acting Director. Today (2/18/2025) I received a message from the new Acting Commissioner Dudek.  Here is part of Director Dudek's message on Social Security for 2025:   Our continuing priority is paying beneficiaries the right amount at the right time, and providing other critical services people rely on from us. DOGE personnel CANNOT make changes to agency systems, benefit payments, or other information. They only have READ access. DOGE personnel do not have access to data related to a court ordered temporary restraining order, current or future. DOGE personnel must follow the law and if they violate the law they will be referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.                      ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION PROCESS

  Here is a brief overview of what takes place after you file your Social Security disability application : Application confirmation  – Social Security will mail you a copy of your application to sign. You will have an opportunity to review the application, correct any errors, and send it back to Social Security for processing. You must return the signed application. Social Security will not process your application until they receive your signed confirmation. And they don't send reminders about this. Function report  – Social Security will mail you a form called a function report . This form will ask questions about your personal care, meals, house and yard work, getting around, shopping, money, hobbies and interests, social activities,  and other abilities. This form will help Social Security determine what you can and cannot do on a daily basis. It must be filled out carefully and fully and returned. Work history report  – Social Security will ma...
Post a Comment
Read more