Speeding Up Hearing for Social Security Disability Claim

Q: Is it true that there are no deadlines for your social security disability application to be reviewed?
A: An initial decision on a social security disability claim does not have to be made in accordance with a set timeline. The average time it takes most cases to be initially reviewed, however, is about 90 days. In spite of the lack of mandatory timelines for the first review step for an application, it is important to note that there are deadlines for appeals. If you miss deadlines for social security disability appeals, it can affect your claim. Most often, you will need to file a new application and start at the initial review process again. You are required to submit your appeal for reconsideration or hearing request no later than 60 days after you received notification that your case was not approved. And simply putting it in the mailbox on the 60th day will not cut it. You need to make sure that Social Security has received your paperwork and appeal within that deadline. The administration does grant you an additional 5 days to get the appeal submitted to give you some lee weigh for mailing time. You should not, however, put your case at risk by cutting a deadline too close. The best course of action is to submit that appeal as soon as you receive notification that your claim was not approved for benefits.
Q: Is it possible to speed up the date for your social security disability case hearing?
A: Trying to have your case heard before an administrative judge more quickly can be challenging. But you can do a couple things to try. You can submit a dire need letter to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, if you are having trouble with your financial responsibilities (for example, making mortgage payments and paying medical bills.) Be certain to include proof of your financial situation with the letter you send. Things like copies of late notices and eviction letters will support your plea. The hearing office will then decide if your claim should be accelerated. Another option is to request an on the record review of your case. This is simply when the hearing office reviews your case before the scheduled hearing. Most experts do not recommend an OTR review, unless the medical condition or injury of the claimant has worsened. A final alternative to help speed up the social security disability hearing process is through a congressional inquiry. Having legal representation is extremely beneficial if you plan to try to speed up the hearing date for your claim.
Q: Are there witnesses for a social security disability hearing?
A: Judges base their decisions on medical records and information. It is up to the discretion of each individual judge as to whether witness testimony will actually be heard for a claim. Expert witnesses presenting medical and employment background are often utilized in hearings.

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