CAN YOU SPEED UP YOUR CLAIM, OR MUST YOU WAIT YEARS?

There's little doubt in my mind that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is the slowest agency within the United States Government!  It's possible, even likely, that you will wait 2 years or longer to get your appeal processed and paid. If you live in Huntsville or Madison County, add 6 to 12 additional months to the wait because Huntsville has only one hearing room.

How do you keep your claim moving in this slow, bogged down system?

First, you have to be familiar with Social Security rules, process and procedures.  They will always work within their own schedule, not yours.  They schedule the hearing dates; neither the claimant or representative can choose the date. The following tips may help you:

• Know what they need and give it to them.  There are certain things that SSA must have before they will make a decision on your claim--no matter what.  These things must be presented correctly and in the proper form. Not certain if everything is there?  Call them and ask.

• Submit everything in writing.  In short, telephone calls count for absolutely zero.  Put it in writing, keep a copy and verify that it was received by Social Security.  I see people who wait months, then call Social Security to see why a certain requested action is taking so long, only to be told "We never received that form."

• Avoid generalities and be specific.  You know that 3 is more than 2.  You assume Social Security knows this.  But they don't act like it. Point it out to them in writing.  If the rule says you must have had an impairment for 12 consecutive months, point out that you have had it for 39 months (assuming that is true) that 39 months is longer than 12 months.

• Use Social Security rules and regulations to help your case.  At the end of the day, most of the written regulations protect you, the claimant.  But you must know what the regulations say, know how to use them, and be willing to use them at the drop of a hat.  (And be prepared to drop the hat yourself...unless you have a representative with a hat)!

• Seek out exceptions that can get you heard and approved more quickly.  There aren't too many of them but occasionally you will find an exception to a rule that lets you slide to the front of the line and get your case settled earlier. Two examples would be:  You have a truly dire need (such as emergency medical care you can't obtain, you are homeless, you have a terminal illness), OR you are a veteran with a 100% permanent disability which began while on active duty.

 Finally, realize that not everyone is a Social Security expert. You may not be an expert. And Social Security workers are NOT there to help you prove your case and get benefits quickly.  They work for the US government, not for you.  Don't expect too much out of them.  Once your Social Security claim has been denied, it's You vs. the US Government. Don't go there alone!

FREE CLAIM EVALUATION - CALL (256) 799-0297

OR (256) 431-1599

YOU VS. SOCIAL SECURITY - FIND HELP HERE