Social Security Disability Appeals Process Is Now Faster than Ever

If you have been denied your initial claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you are not alone. In fact, only about 40% of applicants are awarded benefits following their initial application. This means that the majorities of applicants are denied and must pursue the Social Security Disability appeals process to attempt to overturn the initial decision.

The Appeals Process

Following the initial denial of benefits, an applicant can choose to ask the Social Security office for a reconsideration, in which a different disability examiner who has never seen your case or evidence will reevaluate your claim and decide to grant or deny benefits. If this reconsideration again yields a denial of benefits, you then have 60 days to file an appeal with the Social Security Administration. If you are considering appealing the initial denial of your Social Security Disability benefits, contact a social security disability attorney to discuss your options.

While some applicants have their appeal processed by an Administrative Law Judge in a matter of months, it can often take a year or longer for the denied applicant to receive a final decision. During this time, injured or ill workers continue to be unable to work due to their medical conditions, and are constantly faced with mounting bills and financial instability. Because of the significant amount of time required, many applicants are hesitant to begin the appeals process. However, the Social Security Administration is now utilizing video technology to reduce the wait time between the original denial and the appeal hearing.

Learn more about the social security disability appeals process.

Hearings Now Use Video Conferencing

Thankfully, the Social Security Administration has invested in video conferencing equipment in many locations across the United State. Sites with the new video conference hearings are helping to greatly reduce the time it takes for an appeal decision to be made. At these sites, the Administrative Law Judge overseeing your Social Security Disability case will be able to hear more cases each day using the new technology, which significantly decreases the waiting time involved in the process. Because of this new technology, applicants who were initially denied Social Security Disability benefits can now fully complete the appeals process in as little as six months!

As the Social Security Disability appeals process becomes faster and more efficient, disabled workers will be able to receive their benefits sooner and maintain financial stability for their families. If you have questions about any part of the Social Security Disability process, a social security disability lawyer can guide you in the right direction to make sure you and your family are protected.