Social Security Disability can be “America’s safety net.” If you have a disability that prevents you from working at all or part-time and your Social Security Disability claim gets approved, these monthly payments can help you stay afloat and continue to pay your bills. Acquiring Social Security Disability can be difficult and time consuming, which is why we suggest you seek the legal help of an experienced Social Security lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here is typically how the Social Security Disability process works.
The Social Security Disability Process
We always tell our clients that the disability process is a marathon, not a sprint. Do not get discouraged– just understand that it may take a long time if you are initially denied. However, if and when you eventually win, you will receive past-due benefits that will make up for the months you waited to receive disability benefits.
Read on to learn more about the process of applying for disability as well as the subsequent steps to take if your claim is denied.
Step 1. File an initial application
Once you apply, it typically takes 90 to 120 days for the Social Security Administration to review your claim and either approve or deny your application. It is important to remember that approximately only 30 percent of Social Security disability applications are approved at this stage. If you are approved, you will begin receiving disability benefits.
Step 2. If denied, request for reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you have 60 days to file a Request for Reconsideration in which the Social Security Administration will review your application again. This process takes approximately three to six months.
Step 3. If still denied, request a hearing level
If your Request for Reconsideration is denied again, you must then appeal and request a disability hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. This stage of the appeals process can last a year or more. Oftentimes claimants will have to wait approximately two years before they have their hearing. After the hearing, you will either receive a favorable decision, a partially favorable decision, or an unfavorable decision within six months
Step 4. If you don’t agree with the decision, bring it to the Appeals Council
If you do not agree with the Administrative Law Judge’s decision at the hearing level, you have the right to the appeal that decision with the Appeals Council. The review by the Appeals Council usually takes between six months to one year until completion. It is important to remember fewer than five percent of Social Security Disability cases are won at this stage of the appeals process.
Step 5. If denied by the Appeals Council, appeal to the Federal District Court
If your claim is denied by the Appeals Council, you may appeal your case to the Federal District Court. The Federal District Court may approve or deny your claim for Social Security Disability benefits or they may send your case back to Social Security Administration for further review.
Make the Social Security Disability Process Easier by Hiring Deputy & Mizell, L.L.C.
We will make sure that you are prepared for everything. Even though the appeals process may take over a year, we regularly speak with our clients and update medical records, medical source statements, third party function reports and other documents that will help you receive benefits. Furthermore, before your hearing, we have an in-depth meeting where we ask you most of the questions you will be asked at the final disability hearing. You can feel comfortable every step of the way with us. Contact our Social Security Disability Attorney in Camdenton today. We are happy to service Jefferson City, Columbia, Rolla, Lebanon, Camdenton, and many other regions of Missouri.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.
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