Q: How can I expedite the Social Security disability (“SSDI”) benefits application process?
If you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits in Arizona, you will need to assemble a variety of information and documentation to support the application. Failure to submit a complete application with all required information will result in a denial of your application.
Generally, applications may take weeks, months or even up to a year for a decision if not handled by an attorney. And while appealing a SSDI denial decision is possible, when you appeal you’re adding more time to an already lengthy and complicated process.
Hiring a skilled Social Security Disability Insurance attorney can expedite the application or appeals process. Because the attorneys are experienced, they can quickly complete the forms and know the documentation required to submit a strong application with a greater likelihood of approval the first time around. Attorneys can also follow up repeatedly on the status of your application as it moves through the process.
In a nutshell, the SSDI program is a work-based government benefits program to assist disabled people under the age of 65 who meet the minimum work credits threshold and have paid into the Social Security system. In addition, the applicant must satisfy the government’s definition of “disabled”. There are several common physical and mental disabilities which may qualify an applicant for SSDI benefits.
There are also many rare diseases that qualify for SSDI.
There is a “fast track” approval process for those suffering from certain “totally and permanently disabling” rare and aggressive diseases and conditions. Approximately “4% of Social Security disability applicants qualify for the Compassionate Allowance Initiative”, which expedites approval in “just a few days rather than the three months to a year” usual processing time.
Whether you qualify for expedited processing under the Compassionate Allowance Initiative or not, all disabled applicants benefit from a streamlined application and appeals process. And having a skilled SSDI attorney on your side may help.
If you or a loved one is disabled and considering applying for Social Security disability benefits, or if your application was denied and you need help appealing the decision, the disability law attorneys at the Phoenix and Tucson Arizona Law Firm of Roeschke Law, LLC can help. Call us at 800-975-1866 for a free initial consultation and assessment of your claim. We serve clients in all Arizona cities and counties.