Social Security Disability Expert Offers Tips For
Speeding Up Your SSDI Claim
Preparation, documentation of
disability needed to receive Social Security benefits
Belleville, Ill. - May 13,
2011 - Thinking about applying for Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Prepare yourself
for a long wait for a decision because the Social Security
Administration (SSA) is handling an exploding workload with an
ever-tightening budget. But according to Allsup, the nation's
premier SSDI representation company, disability applicants can take
steps to help speed up processing times.
"The first thing an applicant should do is work with an
experienced SSDI representative such as Allsup," said Mike Stein,
assistant vice president of claims. "Filing for SSDI benefits is a
very complicated and stressful process, and most people need expert
help to navigate the system," he pointed out.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federally mandated
insurance program overseen by the SSA that operates separately from
the retirement and SSI programs. SSDI provides monthly benefits to
individuals who are under full retirement age (age 65 or older) and
who can no longer work because of a severe disability (injury,
illness or condition) that is expected to last for at least 12
months, or is terminal. Individuals must have paid FICA taxes to be
eligible.
The SSDI
application process requires a significant amount of documentation
and the completion of forms to chronicle work history, medical
conditions, treatment and physical limitations as a result of a
severe disability. Some applicants may experience waits of two
years or longer, especially when applying without a representative.
For questions about what is needed to apply for Social Security
Disability Insurance benefits, visit Allsup.com or call (800)
678-3276.
Stein offered several tips for disability claimants, whether
or not they work with a professional representative, to expedite
what is usually a lengthy process.
"Before you begin the actual process, you must prepare,
prepare, and then prepare some more," he emphasized. "It's
absolutely crucial that your application is complete so the SSA
knows where to get information needed to make an informed
decision.
"The more information disability claimants have on hand at the
beginning of the process, the quicker the SSA can make a decision.
That includes having a list of the names of all their doctors,
their addresses, telephone numbers and their treatment
dates."
Stein added that claimants' work histories also play an
important role in the SSDI decision-making process.
"The SSA considers past relevant work when making its
decision, so claimants should be able to provide their work
histories over the past 15 years," he explained. "This includes job
titles, the type of work performed and dates of employment."
Other information the SSA needs to process disability claims
includes:
- Workers' compensation information, including date of injury and claim number.
- Names and dates of spouse and minor children.
- Dates of marriages and divorces.
The scope of information needed is covered in several forms
required by the SSA. Stein added that professional representatives
such as Allsup can ensure that claimants' information is accurate
and thorough, as well as meet filing and appeal deadlines.
"This is very important," he said. "Whenever a filing deadline
is missed, the entire application process may have to start all
over again, which will add lengthy and unnecessary delays."
To get assistance with an application, a disability appeal or for a
free evaluation of SSDI eligibility, contact the
Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276.