Help Expedite Your Social Security Claim

One of the most common questions regarding Social Security Disability is: "What can I do to help expedite my claim?"

Every application must go through Social Security's review process. There are no real shortcuts or guarantees as to when or if benefits will be received until the Social Security Administration makes a proper determination. However, there are some measures you can take to help expedite your claim.

First, don't delay in signing up for Social Security benefits. If you become disabled and unable to work you should file for disability benefits immediately. By filing early, your paperwork will be processed and you can receive past-due payments from the earliest possible date, as there is no waiting period for Supplemental Security Income disability benefits.

When you apply, you can shorten processing time for your claim by having the following medical and vocational information available:

• medical records from doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers
• the names, addresses, phone and fax numbers of your doctors, clinics and hospitals
• the names of all medications you are taking; and
• the names of your employers and job duties for the last 15 years.

Another way to keep the process flowing is through timely filing of appeals. Social Security appeals must be filed within 60 days from the date stamped on your last denial letter. Keep in mind that every time an appeal is not timely filed, this can slow down the review process or require you to begin the process again. If your 60 days has expired, you may need to contact the Social Security Administration to file a new application.

Also, if you are being represented for your Social security and/or Supplemental Security Income Disability claim, it is imperative to stay in contact with your representative. Keeping in touch every couple of months with updated medical visits, changes in doctors and any emergency room and/or hospital visits will allow your representative to maintain current information and request any pertinent medical records that may be vital to approve your claim.

Keep in mind that from start to finish the overall process can be lengthy. Social Security's definition of "disabled" may differ from that defined by other individuals and even various doctors who may indicate that you are disabled. This doesn't mean you will automatically qualify for benefits under Social Security rules, as their rules differ from those of other private plans or government agencies.