How to Speed up the Process of Getting SSDI Benefits
Published on May 19th, 2021 by Eric Slepian
Applying to receive SSDI benefits can be a lengthy process. Those who depend on these benefits to support themselves or a family member want to do everything they can to receive the benefits sooner rather than later. While you don’t have control over the SSA, there certainly are steps you can take to speed up the process.
Submit all Medical Evidence
Giving the SSA all medical documents as soon as you can will benefit you in the long run. When you submit your application, you should include all necessary documents they may need when considering you for benefits. If you keep them waiting on documents, the process will most likely take longer until they receive everything they need. Don’t forget to include all the names and contact information of doctors you have seen in addition to when you saw them so the disability examiner has all the information in one place.
Get Letters From Doctors
In your application, include letters from doctors explaining your disability, your symptoms, and most importantly, how it impacts your ability to work. If you can, get a letter written by more than one doctor. Doing everything you can to show how your disability affects you and your daily life will only benefit you in being approved.
Stay on Top of Your Case
Make sure you are staying updated and on top of everything. Consider calling Disability Determination Services for status updates on where they are with your application. This can serve as a gentle push to prompt them to work faster on your case, and they may even speed up the process simply to avoid having to answer your phone calls. Also, calling them will allow you to confirm they received all documents you sent them.
Submitting a “Dire Need” Letter
If you need SSDI benefits immediately, you can submit a “Dire Need” to have your hearing held sooner rather than later. If your case is strong enough, the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) may speed up the process to get you your benefits sooner. Some reasons you may submit this request include emergency situations such as you’re about to be evicted or you are at risk of not being able to afford important medicine. Make sure to include evidence of why you need the benefits ASAP.
Hire a Slepian Smith Ellexson, PLLC. Attorney
The best thing you can do to secure your success in getting social security benefits is to hire a highly skilled, proactive attorney. The attorneys at Slepian Smith Ellexson, PLLC understand the ins and outs of social security benefits and know what steps to take to increase your chances of being approved and how to make your case the most convincing it can be. If you’re in need of SSDI fast and don’t know where to begin, contact our Social Security disability attorneys near Flagstaff, AZ today.
