Social Security Process – Tips for Winning Your Disability Claim
Unless you qualify under Compassionate Allowances for your Social Security benefits, you could be in for a long, complicated process to apply for and claim your Social Security Disability Insurance. The Social Security Administration estimates that it can take three to five months to process a claim, and the vast majority of people that apply are denied at least twice. When you are already dealing with your illness and medical expenses, you do not want to risk having your claim denied and having to start the process over again.
The best way to ensure that your claim is properly handled the first time is to have a Social Security Disability attorney on your side. Applicants who are represented by an experienced Social Security Disability attorney have a higher chance of being approved for benefits than those who proceed without any representation.
The Social Security Disability lawyers of Terry, Terry, and Stapleton have the experience and knowledge to help you with this process. We represent clients throughout Tennessee, including Rogersville, Newport, Morristown, Knoxville, Kingsport, Johnson City, Jefferson City and Greeneville. Call us today at 1-800-518-3779 for help with your disability case.
According to the Social Security Administration, more than 3.3 million applications for disability benefits will be filed in the fiscal year of 2009-2010 -- about 700,000 more than in the past years. In addition, many states are furloughing federally-funded state workers who process disability claims at the state level and make the disability decisions for Social Security. This is increasing the workload for the remaining employees and a creating a backlog of initial disability applications in state Disability Determinations Services (DDS).
Following are pointers that will make the process go more smoothly.
Tips for Filing for Disability Benefits
- Fill out your application thoroughly. The first step the Disability Determinations Services examiner will take is to request your medical records. Make sure you have completed all information regarding your medical history and include current names and addresses of all medical workers assigned to your case.
- Contact your physician. Before submitting your disability application contact your doctor to let him or her know you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. Ask your doctor outright if he or she will support you in the process. Without your doctor's support you will more than likely be denied your benefits.
- Respond promptly to any inquiries. If you are contacted by anyone that is involved in your disability claim, whether they are from the Social Security office, the doctor's office or your attorney, you should respond immediately. With an estimated timeline taking up to five months, any delay can adversely impact when you hear of a decision about your benefits.
- Communicate any changes. If you have any changes to your personal information, including address, phone number or your medical condition, immediately contact the office that is processing your claim. If your medical condition deteriorates this could impact the final decision.
- Be patient but persistent. Millions of Americans have applications for disability benefits being processed, but that does not minimize your application. Check the status of your application if you have not heard back from your caseworker in a reasonable amount of time.
- Appeal. If your case is denied, and your condition has not improved, you may file an appeal. Statistics show that many people are denied twice when trying to get their disability benefits. If you are filing an appeal it is strongly recommended that you secure a Social Security attorney.
Contact Terry, Terry, and Stapleton to Get Your Disability Benefits
At Terry, Terry, and Stapleton, we handle Social Security Disability cases from the initial application stage through administrative hearings and federal court. We will properly prepare your application and the medical evidence of your disability. Whether your case falls under SSDI or SSD, our Social Security attorneys can help you get the disability benefits you deserve.
If you feel that your application has been unfairly denied, contact the Tennessee Social Security Disability attorneys of Terry, Terry, and Stapleton at 1-800-518-3779 or via our online form.
