The Social Security Disability Application Process

The Initial Application

You can apply for SSA benefits at a local Social Security Branch Office.  To obtain the address and telephone number of your nearest Branch Office, call the SSA Hotline telephone number at 1-800-772-1213.  (Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can reach SSA on its TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)

The SSA application form requests a lot of information.  In addition, the claim review process can take a long time.  Some people simply give up and go away, even if they are genuinely entitled to their benefits.

Do not be intimidated by the application process.  If you are disabled, you have the right to seek benefits.

Often, SSA takes several weeks or months to review your initial application.  Many individuals are denied at this stage, even though they meet all the requirements for benefits.

If SSA denies your application for Social Security Disability Benefits at the initial stage, you only have 65 days from the date stamped on the denial letter to appeal the decision and ask for a hearing to present your claim to an Administrative Law Judge.

The Social Security Hearing

• Whether or not you accumulated enough SSA earnings (work credits) to be insured for disability benefits.
• If not, whether or not you qualify under the SSI income limits.
• Whether or not you have an impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
• The nature and extent of your impairment.
• Your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity since your impairment began.
• The date that your disability began.
   

Appeal of a Denial at the Hearing Level

If you are denied benefits at a hearing before an Administration Law Judge (ALJ), you have a right to appeal your decision further, to the Appeals Council.  However, you only have 65 days from the date of the ALJ denial to file for that appeal. 

Therefore we recommend that you contact a lawyer immediately, if an ALJ denied your claim.

If you or a loved was denied Social Security benefits, talk with a dedicated Ohio Social Security lawyer today.  Please submit a simple, free and confidential legal consultation form now.

Take advantage of the Bernstein Approach today.  Protect your legal rights.