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.
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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.
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