One of the most frequently asked Social Security disability questions is how to speed up the application process. The application process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is long and tedious and can take up to 120 days to hear back from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Not only is the process long, but the large backlog of cases at ODAR can make any applicant feel as though they are unimportant and their claim will never get through the system. What makes matters worse is that an application can only be expedited in very rare and serious fatal forms of cancer and other terminal illnesses. Since the average claimant cannot speed up the application process, it is important to do their part by not impeding the process. This article examines the Social Security disability benefits application process and shows four ways an applicant can make sure they are doing their part in not slowing it down.
One way a claimant can make sure the application process is as efficient and effective as possible is by hiring a claimants representative or attorney who focuses his practice in Social Security disability cases to assist in their case. Hire someone who will walk you through the application process every step of the way. Unfortunately, most claimants representatives and attorneys will not want to help you make application because the process can be time consuming and is not cost effective. People that do not receive help from a claimants representative or attorney often attempt to fill out an application online by themselves. After hitting the submit button, a claimant often believes that they have completed the application process. However, a completed application consists of three items: a filled out application, Adult Disability and Work History Report, and a properly executed and delivered copy of the Authorization to Disclose form. All three items need to be completed and submitted before SSA even begins to evaluate the claim. By hiring an experienced claimants representative or Social Security disability attorney to work on your claim, you can insure that your claim is fully completed and integrated.
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Another way you can prevent your claim from being unduly delayed is by making sure that SSA has a copy of your fully completed Authorization to Disclose Medical Information (Form-827). Form-827 is the medical release form that allows SSA to begin collecting information from your doctors, hospitals, or clinics that you have visited. Until SSA receives a completed Form-827, your claim will not be initiated. While your claimants representative or attorney should provide you with a Form-827 and the SSA will mail one to you after you make application, it nevertheless is a good idea to do your part and take the initiative by asking for the form yourself.
When filling out the Adult Disability and Work History Report, it is imperative that you list all of the relevant doctors that you have visited for your conditions. The local DDS will make a disability decision based upon the medical information that you provide and they collect. Often times, DDS does not collect all of your medical records and the SSA ends up seeing only a partial picture of your medical records. You must act as your own advocate and paint a complete picture for SSA to give them the best opportunity to discover why you should be adjudicated as disabled. At the same time, it is important not to confuse DDS by sending them unrelated illnesses. For example, if you have mobility issues due to lower back problems, then you should not send SSA your past eye exams. While this might seem trivial, extra records can not only confuse DDS but slow down your application.
One of the most important things you should remember so as to not impede your Social Security disability benefits application is to not ignore any letters you receive from the SSA. The SSA might ask you to fill out questionnaires or schedule appointments with doctors immediately after you have submitted your application. Make sure to fill out all of the requested information as soon as possible. Confirm appointments quickly, keep those appointments, and do everything you can to respond to SSA. By doing so, you will enable SSA to move forward with your application.
The best way to speed up the SSA application process is to not give them a reason to slow it down. Hiring an experienced claimants representative or attorney who focuses his practice on Social Security disability claims can insure that your application is fully integrated and completed. Making sure that your Form-827 is completed and sent to SSA will allow them to review your claim. Also, when filling out the Adult Disability and Work History Report it is imperative to list all of your relevant medical information. Finally, make sure you answer any questions that SSA has for you and fill out any forms or questionnaires that they send to you. Be responsive, be proactive, and be your own advocate. By doing so, you will insure that you have done everything you can to make the application process go as quickly and smoothly as possible.
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