Waiting for the decision on your Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits claim can be highly stressful. Because your medical condition prevents you from working, you may be struggling to pay your bills, keep a roof over your head and put food on the table.
You should speak with Orlando Social Security disability lawyer Frank M. Eidson right away to learn how he can help you to speed up the process. He can review your case and pursue different options that may be available to you.
For more than 25 years, our law firm has helped clients throughout Orlando, Winter Park and Florida to obtain SSD benefits they need and deserve. Our goal is to make sure you get your benefits as quickly as possible. Call or reach us online today to get started with a free consultation.
As we explain below, the options available to you will depend on whether you have filed your application or you have appealed an initial denial of your application.
You Have Not Filed Your Application
If you have not filed your application, an attorney can help you to submit one that is correct and complete. Providing the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) with all of the information it needs – particularly medical evidence – can avoid delays.
In certain situations, the SSA will expedite a decision on your application or allow you to receive benefits while your case is being reviewed. An attorney can help you to fill out special forms that may be needed or notify the SSA that you qualify for an expedited decision.
The programs that are available include:
- Compassionate Allowances – The SSA will fast-track your application if you have a medical condition such as cancer that is considered to be so severe that it will clearly meet the SSA’s definition of disability. With that said, you have to make sure the SSA has medical evidence showing that you have a listed Compassionate Allowances condition.
- Terminal Illness (TERI) – If you suffer from a medical condition that is “untreatable and expected to result in death,” the SSA will flag your case as a TERI case for expedited processing.
- Presumptive Disability or Blindness – If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may be eligible to receive up to six months of benefits payments while a decision on your claim is pending.
- Wounded Warriors and Veterans – A few years ago, the SSA launched a program that speeds up the processing of benefits claims for military service members. To qualify, you must have suffered a disability while on active service or on or after October 1, 2001. Keep in mind: You can also apply for separate Veterans Administration (VA) benefits.
Your Application Was Denied
If your initial application for SSD benefits was denied, you can submit a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days from the denial date. If your claim is denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
The problem is that it can take many months for your hearing to be scheduled. Several more months can pass for the ALJ to make a decision and for your claim to be processed.
However, an attorney can try to speed up the process by taking steps such as:
- Dire needs letter – The SSA may expedite your hearing if you can show that you do not have enough income or resources “to meet an immediate threat” to your safety. A dire need would include being unable to get food, needed medical care or housing.
- On-the-Record Review – You can avoid the need for a hearing by requesting an on-the-record (OTR) review of your case. You may be eligible for this review if you can show that the record in your case contains enough medical evidence for the ALJ to make its decision and does not require medical or vocational expert testimony.
- Attorney-Advisor Decision – Similar to an OTR review, you can avoid a hearing by requesting that your case be reviewed by an attorney-advisor instead of an ALJ. An attorney-advisor can review your SSI benefits application if you can show that a “fully favorable” decision may be issued in your case because:
- There is new and material or additional evidence available
- There has been a change in the law or regulations
- There was an error in your file.
If the attorney-advisor agrees that you are entitled to a “fully favorable” decision, your benefits application will be granted. If not, then your case would proceed to a hearing before an ALJ.
Contact an Orlando Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
You will never know all of the options to speed up a decision on your particular application unless you contact an experienced SSD benefits lawyer.Orlando Social Security disability lawyer, Frank M. Eidson, is available to help. He understands the importance of disability benefits to his clients. He will personally review the facts of your case and help you to pursue the best, most time-efficient route possible to receiving the benefits you need and deserve. Simply contact us today for a free consultation.
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