'DIRE NEED" PETITION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

 Unfortunately a Social Security disability claim can take up to 2 years or more to be processed.  That's a long time to wait if you are disabled and need money to pay life's necessities.  There is a way to speed up Social Security if you meet the strict requirements:  ask that your  claim be processed as a 'DIRE NEED.'

A "dire need" letter for Social Security disability explains why your case needs to be processed faster due to an immediate threat to your health or safety, such as facing homelessness, eviction, or inability to afford food, medicine, or utilities. 

 You should write the letter, include supporting documents like eviction notices, and send it to your local Social Security Administration (SSA). It is best to call the SSA office within about 2 weeks to confirm they received the letter and are processing it as a dire need case. 

• Be sure your full Social Security number (SSN) appears on all letters and documents.
• Sign your full name (not print) on all letters.
• Place today's date on all letters or correspondence.
• In your letter state WHY you think you qualify for dire need processing:  can't afford to pay utilities, can't pay rent and are facing eviction, cannot obtain food, need emergency medical care that you can't obtain, etc.
  
• Use Google to find the address of your local Social Security office.
  
• Do not make any false statements or claims.  Doing so may constitute fraud. 
• Sent supporting proof for all dire need statements, such as:  eviction notice, cancellation of utilities notice, doctor's letter stating that you require a certain type of treatment or medication that you can't obtain due to lack of money, etc.  
• Mail your letter and supporting documents BEFORE calling Social Security on the phone.  Dire Need letters must be sent by mail or fax to your local Social Security office.  Again, you may be able to find the fax number or local address with a little research on Google.
  

Never just assume that Social Security received your letter or that they have acted upon it.  Be proactive.  Allow about 2 weeks for them to acknowledge your request, then call your LOCAL Social Security office to see if they received your request.  

If Social Security designates your case as "dire need," it may reduce your waiting time from 1 year or more to just a month or two.  Caution:  A "dire need" claim does not guarantee that you will qualify for benefits (be approved). It just makes the decision making process shorter and faster.  You still have prove that you meet the usual requirements for a disability benefit.

Finally, a very general statement that you really need your benefits now will not be considered a dire need.  You must have a specific qualifying need:

1. You cannot obtain food due to financial hardship.
2. You cannot pay utilities and they are about to be disconnected.
3. You have no place to live and are now or are about to become homeless.  (If you live with a friend or relative, you are NOT homeless).
4. You need emergency medical treatment that cannot be obtained because you have no money or means to obtain it.
5. You cannot obtain prescribed medication due to lack of funds and no insurance coverage.
6. You have a terminal illness and your doctor has told you that you have one year or less to live.  (You will need a doctor's letter or verification).