Submitting an SSDI Application? Here’s What the Process Might Look Like
After submitting an SSDI application, you may have a long wait ahead. You might be feeling a mix of relief and anxiety, wondering what comes next. And as time marches on, the silence might make you even more anxious – especially if you don’t know why it’s happening.
It’s important to understand the steps ahead so you can be prepared and avoid unnecessary worry. Let’s walk through what typically happens after submitting an SSDI application.
Initial Review
First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will check if you have the basic qualifications, including whether you:
- worked enough years to qualify for SSDI
- haven’t exceeded the income limits
- are the right age for disability
- and more
This part is mostly about confirming you meet the basic criteria. It doesn’t take very long for the SSA to determine these basic facts.
Medical Eligibility Evaluation
Next comes the crucial part: reviewing your medical condition.
During this step, the SSA (and sometimes additional agencies) will look over your health information to decide if your condition really makes it impossible for you to earn an income.
This step can take some time, because they might need more information. They may ask you to go in for more medical exams, or they might not.
Either way, they’re looking for specifics and proof: for example, if you claim to have a certain medical condition, have you submitted a report to back up your claim?
The Wait
SSDI claims have a notoriously long wait time. This is due to a variety of factors, including understaffing and an increase in claims over the last few years.
There’s not much you can do in this situation except be patient. It can be incredibly frustrating, but in the meantime there are a few things you can do. First, take a look at our article on managing your finances while waiting for SSDI approval.
In addition, you should use this time to make sure you have an SSDI attorney lined up if they deny your initial application. That way as soon as you get an answer, your attorney can get to work and prevent any further delays.
The Decision
After the SSA has reviewed everything, they will send their decision. You’ll receive a letter telling you whether your application was approved or denied.
It’s not uncommon for SSDI applications to be denied the first time around. In fact, the SSA denies the majority of first-time applications.
If this happens, don’t lose hope. You have the right to appeal the decision, and that’s where having a lawyer can really help. An SSDI lawyer can review your application to see what went wrong and help strengthen your case for the appeal.
You may be tempted to appeal without a lawyer or simply reapply. But keep in mind, until you fix whatever caused your denial, you may be repeating the same cycle over and over again.
We’ve seen this happen with a lot of people who desperately needed SSDI. They delayed their benefits even further by not fixing the root problem in their application.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Our SSDI lawyers understand the ins and outs of the SSDI system. We know what evidence is most convincing and how to present your case effectively.
In addition, we can confidently handle the legalese and paperwork. There’s a lot of paperwork involved in SSDI applications and appeals. A lawyer can handle all of this for you, making sure everything is submitted on time.
Plus, having a lawyer by your side can make a significant difference at your appeals hearing. We can speak on your behalf and argue your case directly to the judge.
Most importantly, we understand better than anyone what makes a successful application and how to find the problems in your initial application. We help back up your claim with medical evidence, expert testimony, and whatever you need in order to show you qualify for the benefits you desperately need.
Moving Forward
Submitting your SSDI application is a big step toward getting the support you need. From there, the process takes time and sometimes persistence.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, our SSDI lawyers can guide you through the process and work to get you the benefits you deserve.
Whether you’re just starting out or facing an appeal, we’re here to help.
Just remember, you only have 60 days from getting denied to appeal your claim. That’s when our team jumps into action and helps you get the benefits you need.
So don’t wait to get started. Call us today at 901-327-2100, or contact us online.