The SSDI Process
The application and appeal process is long and can take between 2 and 4 years to reach a final outcome. Having an Advocate serve as your representative may decrease the length of time for the Social Security Administration takes to make it’s decision and will increase the likelihood that your application gets approved.
There are five levels of review under which your application may be processed before benefits are awarded.
Level One – Initial Application. The step begins by completing an extensive application and a telephone interview. Along with the application your local Disability Determination Services center will collect and review information such as medical records, detailed “Activities of Daily Living”, work history and expected during of your condition and may request consultative exams. Only 36 percent of applications are approved at this level.
Level Two – Request for Reconsideration. Should your initial application be denied, this is the first level of appeal. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the decision to deny your initial claim. Only 24% of reconsideration are approved for benefits. In an effort to expedite the application process some states have eliminated the Reconsideration level appeal (Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and some offices in California).
Level Three – Hearings. After your reconsideration is denied you must request review by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) within 60 days. The ALJ will accept and review additional medical information, listen to testimony from caregivers and the claimant, and may bring in vocational and medical experts. Appeals at this level are successful about 63% of the time.
Level Four – Appeals Council. Should you still be denied after the ALJ hearing, you have 60 days to request the Appeals Council review. If the Appeals Council determines that the ALJ failed to consider all the evidence or improperly rendered a decision of law, they most frequently remand the case back to the ALJ for a second evaluation and potential hearing. About 2% of Appeals Council cases result in a favorable decision.
Assuming you are approved for SSDI/SSI benefits your case will periodically be reviewed to determine if you continue to meet the definition of “Disabled”. These reviews typically happen on intervals of one, three, five and seven years depending on your condition and when medical improvement is expected.
