How The Social Security Disability Process Works

If you or someone in your family becomes disabled you don't have to face the social security claims process alone. If you contact a law firm in your area, make sure the consultation is free. You should not have to pay to have your voice heard and considered.

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI benefits you must be unable to work because of medical problems. Your disability must be expected to last a continuous period of 12 months or result in death.

Step 1 - Initial Application Level
If you believe you are disabled from work, you should first consult with your doctor. If your doctor agrees that you are disabled, the next step is to go to the nearest Social Security Administration office and fill out a disability application.

You will receive a letter letting you know whether you are approved or denied. If you are approved, the process ends there and you will soon begin receiving benefits. If you are denied, you have sixty days to appeal the decision.

Step 2 - Reconsideration Level
Do not get discouraged if you are denied. That does not mean you are not disabled; it just means that you have not yet convinced the Social Security Administration that you are.

At the reconsideration level the Social Security office will get additional medical evidence and make another decision on whether you are disabled. Again, you will receive a letter either approving or denying your application.

Step 3 - Hearing Level
If your request for reconsideration is denied, you have sixty days to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.

It is at this point in the process that you should definitely seek legal assistance. Your legal representative will be allowed to present additional proof of your disability and you will get to meet the judge face-to-face to discuss your condition.

This is the most important step in the entire process because it is the only chance you have to meet face to face with the person who decides your case and if you need to go to the next step, the decision at that level will be based on the record from this hearing.

If you are again denied, your legal representative can request that the Administrative Law Judge's decision be reviewed by the Social Security Appeals Council and, if necessary, in Federal Court.

If you have any questions about how to prove your disability or if you need assistance through the process, please call a law firm with experience and proven success in social security disability cases.