- February 17, 2017
- Personal Injury
- Social Security Disability
If you are filing an application with the Social Security Administration, you should not expect a speedy response. In fact, the average application can take two to four months to come to a full resolution, and even then it could take longer. So it’s not uncommon for clients to ask us what the status of their application is or how they can check on it. This is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a good idea to regularly check on your application so you can find out if it has stalled for any reason, and help you rectify the issue quickly.Initial Application Stage
During your initial application, you can check on the status of your claim in three ways:
- Calling your local SSA office
- Contacting the disability examiner who has been assigned to your case
- Checking your claim status online if you initially applied for benefits online through the SSA’s website
Once your claim has proceeded to Disability Determination Services, you will be assigned a claims examiner who will then be working your case going forward. You will know this has happened because you will receive a phone call from them along with additional paperwork regarding your claim. If you do not know who your examiner is, call your local SSA office. Your examiner will also be the one who can update you on the status of your claim throughout this initial consideration period.
Appeal Hearing
If your claim has been denied (which so many often are in the initial application stage), you should strongly consider appealing this decision. In order to appeal a claim, you must request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, and file the required appeal forms. After doing this, you can get the status of your claim in three ways:
- Calling your local SSA office
- Contacting your claims examiner (if your claim has not yet been transferred to the appeals office)
- Contacting the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (if your file has been transferred to the appeals office)
Appeals Council Review
Most disability claims end after their appeal hearing, as people either have their claim accepted or give up after the judge denies their claim. There is one more available step, however, under the umbrella of the Social Security Administration: the Appeals Council. If you request an Appeal Council Review of the judge’s decision, you can have your claim reviewed again and you preserve your ability to claim all back due benefits. To check on the status of your claim during this period, call your representative or reach out to the appeals council directly.
Federal Court Appeal
The last step is to file a civil suit against the SSA in federal court. These cases are exceedingly rare, and require that you retain an attorney, who will work with you throughout your case. From this point on, you will work directly with them, and they will keep you apprised as to how your case is proceeding until the final verdict is given.
It is strongly advised that you seek an attorney for assistance with your social security disability insurance application. At Goodman Acker P.C., our team of attorneys are well-versed in social security disability law, and can help you submit an application which gives you a strong chance for success the first time. We strive to help you get the benefits you need when you are suffering from financial hardship due to your disability, and with more than 75 years of combined experience on our side, we are the top choice for helping you get the outcome you need to your case.
For a free case review, call Goodman Acker P.C. today at (248) 286-8100.