Is There a Time Line Within Which a Social Security Disability Application Must Be Reviewed?
Q: Is it true that there are no deadlines for your social security disability application to be reviewed?
A: Unlike with other government benefits programs, there is no set deadline within which an application for social security disability must be initially reviewed. That being said, a decision on an application under initial review usually takes 3 or 4 months. And although there are no deadlines for the initial review process, there are strict deadlines for reconsideration and appeals for hearings. Missing a deadline for an appeal or reconsideration will have a negative impact on your social security disability case. Most often, you will need to file a new application and start at the initial review process again. You are required to submit your appeal for reconsideration or hearing request no later than 60 days after you received notification that your case was not approved. And simply putting it in the mailbox on the 60th day will not cut it. Social Security needs to have the appeal on record by that 60 day limit. The administration does grant you an additional 5 days to get the appeal submitted to give you some lee weigh for mailing time. You should not, however, put your case at risk by cutting a deadline too close. The best course of action is to submit that appeal as soon as you receive notification that your claim was not approved for benefits.
Q: Is it possible to speed up the date for your social security disability case hearing?
A: It can be tricky to try to speed up the hearing process for your claim. That being said, there some steps you can take to improve your chances. If your financial circumstances are putting you in a difficult situation and you are in jeopardy of losing your home or medical care, you can send a letter of dire need to the office handling your hearing. Supporting documentation demonstrating your dire situation should accompany the letter. Things like copies of late notices and eviction letters will support your plea. The hearing office will then decide if your claim should be accelerated. You could also request an OTR review to speed up your case. An on the record review is when your claim is reviewed by the Office of Hearings and Appeals prior to the actual date for your case to be heard before an administrative judge. The medical evidence must be undeniable for a claim to be approved after an on the record review. The last option to try to have your social security disability case expedited is to contact your Senator or Congressman. Having legal representation is extremely beneficial if you plan to try to speed up the hearing date for your claim.
Q: Are there witnesses for a social security disability hearing?
A: Disability cases are decided based on medical evidence. It is up to the discretion of each individual judge as to whether witness testimony will actually be heard for a claim. A judge may call vocational and medical witnesses to help provide thorough background for your particular case.
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