It may take years to hear a decision on a Social Security disability case. While clients can reduce delays by accurately filling and submitting forms, responding quickly to information requests and assembling their own medical records, delays typically come from waiting for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Below are some ways to expedite a disability application.
Ask for an OTR Decision
If a client has provided enough evidence of his or her disability, they can request an OTR (on the record) review rather than wait for a hearing. These decisions allow clients to bypass the delays that come with waiting for an administrative decision. Unless a person is represented by a Social Security Legal Service in Wilkes Barre PA, they can’t negotiate with the SSA as far as the disability onset date is concerned.
Request an AAD
Another way to skip the ALJ delay is to get an early decision from one of the SSA’s attorneys. The attorney advisor’s decision is available to claimants who can prove that the SSA has made a mistake, or who can show that the law has changed in a way that supports their claims.
Compassionate Allowances
If a person has a serious illness and they meet the other requirements for SSDI or SSI, they may be able to get benefits faster. The SSA has a list of over 200 conditions on its “compassionate allowances” list. If a client can prove that they have such a condition, the SSA will award benefits in days or weeks rather than years. While the SSA is supposed to screen applications to determine eligibility, it’s up to the client to notify them of the condition when making the initial application.
Terminal Illness
If a person is terminally ill and they meet the other qualifications for SSDI or SSI, they can get benefits quickly. The SSA has a program that allows them to expedite applications from terminally ill claimants. Social Security Legal Service in Wilkes Barre PA can help clients gather the necessary documentation to expedite the process.
Call an Attorney
If a person has been waiting for an ALJ hearing and they can’t use any of the options above, hiring an attorney may be a viable solution. A Social Security attorney can work with the SSA to get hearings scheduled sooner. Call the office or Click here to schedule a consultation. You can also visit them on Facebook.
