Social Security Disability Insurance
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Applying for Social Security Disability
Applying for Social Security benefits can present many challenges and frustrations. At the Stroudsburg law office of Amori & Associates, LLC, our attorneys provide experienced legal assistance to help our clients overcome these obstacles. We have helped thousands of people obtain Social Security Disability (SSDI), and we can help you. Whether you need assistance with your SSDI application or have questions about filing for Social Security, contact us to arrange your free consultation.What are the steps in the decision making process?
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The application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a two-step process beginning with the initial application. Be prepared to state when you became disabled, the medical reason for your disability, and the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of your doctors. The applicant may choose to complete the process independently or seek guidance with an attorney. An attorney cannot generally speed up the process but can ensure that each step is made timely and that the necessary documentation is on file. Otherwise the application process can become aborted, requiring the applicant to start over and wasting valuable time.
Step 1: Initial Application
The first step is to complete the written application at the Social Security Administration office in person at the closest SSA district office to you, by phone using the SSA Toll Free Number 1-800-772-1213, or with the SSA online application.
The District Office will assign a certain date and time and call the applicant for a telephone interview. Telephone applications must be followed up by a signed written application. It usually takes two or three months to receive a reply. I
Do not be surprised or disappointed if your claim is denied after the initial application. More than 80% of all disability claims are denied at this first stage. f the initial application is denied the applicant may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge in Pennsylvania.
Step 2: Request for Hearing
The second and most important step is the hearing. Each applicant has the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You and your attorney should take full advantage of this step to present your case. There are numerous rules of decision that the judges follow and it is critical that your claim has been prepared well in advance of the hearing and that your attorney is very familiar with the process.
Unfavorable decisions by the Administrative Law Judge can be appealed to another step within the Administration, and then to federal court, if necessary.
Contact Amori & Associates, LLC Today
The application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a two-step process beginning with the initial application. Be prepared to state when you became disabled, the medical reason for your disability, and the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of your doctors. The applicant may choose to complete the process independently or seek guidance with an attorney. An attorney cannot generally speed up the process but can ensure that each step is made timely and that the necessary documentation is on file. Otherwise the application process can become aborted, requiring the applicant to start over and wasting valuable time.
Step 1: Initial Application
The first step is to complete the written application at the Social Security Administration office in person at the closest SSA district office to you, by phone using the SSA Toll Free Number 1-800-772-1213, or with the SSA online application.
The District Office will assign a certain date and time and call the applicant for a telephone interview. Telephone applications must be followed up by a signed written application. It usually takes two or three months to receive a reply. I
Do not be surprised or disappointed if your claim is denied after the initial application. More than 80% of all disability claims are denied at this first stage. f the initial application is denied the applicant may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge in Pennsylvania.
Step 2: Request for Hearing
The second and most important step is the hearing. Each applicant has the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You and your attorney should take full advantage of this step to present your case. There are numerous rules of decision that the judges follow and it is critical that your claim has been prepared well in advance of the hearing and that your attorney is very familiar with the process.
Unfavorable decisions by the Administrative Law Judge can be appealed to another step within the Administration, and then to federal court, if necessary.
Tips to remember before you fill out your Social Security application:
- Know the disability definition—Depending on your age, you do not have to be "totally disabled."
- List all of your severe medical conditions, not just the most obvious ones.
- Be honest with your doctor(s). Don't deny the severity of your symptoms—document your symptoms and functional limitations with your doctors.
- Get support from your treating doctors. Tell them you are applying for disability benefits.
- Obtain treatment for depression and/or anxiety or other mental symptoms.
- Apply as soon as you know you will not be returning to work.
- Apply immediately if have been out of work for at least a year due to medical conditions.
- Get help from an attorney early. If you are in doubt about anything, contact us.
Things to remember about your Social Security application:
- Apply early.
- Include all of your medical conditions in the application. If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, include them and obtain treatment for all medical conditions.
- Provide complete information on the SSA forms.
- Your primary doctor and/or specialist must support your claim.
- If you are denied, do not give up. You can continue with Federal Court review.
- Continue with your treatment and keep track of and report all your symptoms and functional limitations to your doctors.
- Remember: the process can take a year or more.
- Keep your own copies of all forms and medical records.
- Keep a record (journal) of symptoms and limits on standing, walking, lifting or hand use. Take your journal with you to your medical appointments.
- Following your course of treatment is CRUCIAL. Having the medical evidence to document your claim provides the background you need to be successful in your claim.
Contact Us
The application for Social Security Disability should be taken very seriously by all concerned. First the applicant should be sure that he or she is not able to obtain and to hold a job. Disability is not as good as working. Any job is better than disability. But once the determination to apply is made, then resolve to go the distance with your representative and see the process through to completion. Contact us online or call our Stroudsburg law office at (570) 421-1406 to schedule a consultation.
513 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
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(570) 421-1406 - Tel.
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(570) 421-1407 - Fax
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