Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Filing for disability benefits
The Social Security Administration has an excellent website that you can use to file a claim. The online application will help you avoid having to go to the agency, and can be done from the convenience of your home. For information regarding the qualifications, please visit the Social Security Administration's website.
How I can help
I am happy to help you check the status of your application and provide you with updates from the examiner assigned to your case. Please know that I am precluded from influencing the decision itself (as this is based solely on the medical evidence on file), but I can make sure that the agency has received your claim and is aware that you have contacted my office for assistance. If you'd like my help, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Regarding the delay for a hearing or Appeals Council Review
The Office of Disability, Adjudication and Review and the Appeals Council is taking approximately 14-16 months to schedule a hearing or review an appeal from the time an individual's appeal is made. To expedite this process, the applicant is required to submit a letter of hardship to his or her attorney or representative explaining why the case should be heard or reviewed in a more timely fashion. In addition, it would be helpful to have the applicant provide any tangible evidence asserting to his or her difficulties. The process is as follows:
| 1. The claimant's illness is terminal; 2. The claimant is without, and unable to obtain food, medicine or shelter; 3. There is an indication that the claimant is suicidal. |
Upon receipt of your correspondence, your attorney or representative should forward your letter to the Office of Disability, Adjudication and Review or Appeals Council. Your attorney is welcome to forward my office a copy so that we may follow up on your behalf. The Office of Disability, Adjudication and Review or the Appeals Council will then review your situation and determine if your case should be rendered "critical."
